Parties will be told of any changes in polling stations – Gecom

The Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom) told the APNU+AFC Coalition during a recent meeting that should polling stations change political parties will be notified promptly.

The Coalition had expressed concern that there may be a lag in the notification of changes especially in relation to the private residences being used as polling stations.

And during its press briefing yesterday, the PPP also asked for early notification of changes being made to polling stations.

In keeping with the electoral laws, Gecom said, all relevant information would be released in a timely fashion. This is inclusive of the Official List of Electors which will be made public 15 days prior to May 11, election day. According to Gecom, Chief Election Officer Keith Lowenfield has, “indicated that the Official List of Electors (OLE) has been certified and that preparations are being made to have it posted in all of Gecom’s Registra-tion Districts by April 28, 2015, in accordance with statutory obligations.”

Gecom tackled the current posture as it relates to the issuance of Certificates of Employment to Polling Agents working on Election Day. According to Gecom, Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally said steps were being taken to ensure that due process is maintained in order to achieve a legally binding position on the matter of issuance of Certificates of Employ-ment. Gecom said it is working assiduously to ensure it delivers “an election that is free, fair, credible and transparent.”

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee refrained from expressing confidence in the commission when asked point blank by members of the media yesterday. Instead, Rohee noted that the party has always had issues with the machinery under which the commission functions.

As polling day draws closer, 20 days from today, the two major political parties are intent on airing any grievance they have with the commission and its work to which Gecom responds and vice versa.