All commissioners agreed that the Chief Election Officer will be given a hearing

Dear Editor,
It is a unanimous decision of GECOM that all appointments/renewals of contracts for Senior Level Staff must come before the full commission for its evaluation and appointment. Such decisions are guided by recommendations from Heads of Department etc., any letters of misconduct, warning letters etc. of the person being evaluated in their personal file etc.

The present Chief Election Officer Mr Gocool Boodoo’s contract is now due for renewal.
At the GECOM meeting when this was being discussed I pointed out to the Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, that as a full-time chairman, that he is the link between us six (6) Commissioners and the Secretariat Staff.

I further stated that whenever Commissioners pointed out any lapses by Senior Staff at our meeting, he the Chairman always exploded – “Leave my boys alone- They are the Technicians – Let them do their work”.

I further requested and Commissioners agreed that he must present us with his assessment/evaluation for all of us to debate on and to provide any warning letter, any correspondences etc. he would have sent to the Chief Election Officer during his tenure – so we can all arrive at a fair evaluation that fulfills the tenets of natural justice.

I also pointed out that the incumbent must be given a hearing and all Commissioners agreed.
This issue is still be debated.
Yours faithfully,
Dr K Mangal
Commissioner