The PPP is protesting the decision by the Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom) to hire public relations consultant Richard François as its public relations officer, saying that he is politically-aligned.
Urging the commission to re-examine the appointment of François in an effort to ensure that its integrity is not compromised as a result, PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee yesterday told the media that positions such as the one now held by François should not be held by political persons.
Efforts to contact Gecom’s Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally, its Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield and François, who reportedly took up the post yesterday, proved futile as they were said to be locked in an all-day meeting.
Rohee said that while the PPP respects the right to freedom of employment, it believes that what is known of François’ background debars him from holding the position at Gecom.
“Our party therefore calls on Gecom to explain this appointment in the interest of ensuring fairness and professionalism from this senior officer,” Rohee said at a press conference at Freedom House.
He said that the party’s concern is premised on incidents in the past which resulted in the lack of professionalism and fairness displayed
