Dear Editor,
Elections represent arguably the most important component in the complex processes which result in a democratic system. It is therefore disingenuous and ill-advised to undermine the functions of any elections management body with spurious statements and innuendo.
Recently, there have been reports in the media purportedly reflecting positions from those who should know better and who do know better.
It has been offered to the public that GECOM’s top brass was going on its annual vacation until January 31, 2010. The report continued that “this will result in the absence of the full complement of the middle (?) and senior management during this period.” The statements further give the unambiguous impression of “abandonment,” “questionable commitment” and collective stupidity relative to our supposed belief that the production and distribution of ID cards are “now seen by GECOM as the sole determinant… in the process of handling elections in Guyana.”
Firstly, let it be very clear that the production of ID cards does not exist in a vacuum, rather it is linked to other major activities like “Claims and Objections”; and is the most important precursor undertaking to several future activities.
Secondly, the relatively short leave allocations to deserving senior staff are so staggered that at no time is the implementation of the activities associated with the final completion of local government elections compromised. Only one manager is out at a time! This is neither a new nor an abnormal management practice.
Thirdly, many of the activities which are precursors to the local government elections in general and the production of the ID cards in particular are either completed or will be completed even during the period of absence of any one officer. GECOM staff, unlike what is being portrayed, have not been sitting by sedentarily and uninterestedly.
Fourthly, my senior managers have been working, unheraldedly and unbeknownst to the public, under severe stress, not lastly since the implementation of the house-to-house registration exercise. It becomes obvious when and which officer is reaching a point of exhaustion and diminishing returns on input. We need these officers at their full productive capacities when we enter the difficult ‘homestretch’ of the last couple of months before election day.
Finally, as every institution which falls within the category of “Budget Agency” (since December 2003) knows, it is government policy and diktat that no monies will be paid in lieu of leave. Officers are told in no uncertain terms that they must take their respective leave allocations!
Notwithstanding the inexplicable current wave of abuse projected at GECOM, the nation need not worry about local government elections preparations unless those with special motives stymie our preparation.
We have already explained (see published media releases dated July 28, 2009) how the preparation of the local government elections, for the November 30, 2009 projected date, was thwarted.
Yours faithfully,
Dr R S Surujbally AA
Chairman
Guyana Elections Commission
