Operational capacity of Gecom affected by vacancy

Dear Editor,

I must be numbered amongst the citizenry who clamour vociferously for local government elections. At the same time, however, I am puzzled by those more prominent stakeholders who harp about governance, while clearly appreciating little about organisation – in this case the entity which is central to the organisation of effective elections.

Those interested in organisation should have recognised by now that there is a not so insignificant shortage of senior managerial capability in Gecom, consequent upon the filling of the vacant position of Chief Election Officer, compounded by the resignation of the substantive Deputy.

This means that the latter vacancy created must now be filled – logically by the same process of selection and recruitment as publicised for the CEO’s position. Should the process perchance result in an internal promotion, then it means that again there will be room for further replacement.

In any case no account seems to have been taken of the possibility, however remote, of the current CEO being indisposed for whatever reason. Who then will be the effective competency in charge?

The important urgency surrounding these appointments is that they are all related to ensuring the operational capacity of Gecom to deliver effectively in satisfying current anxious expectations about elections, and local government elections in particular.

Yours faithfully,

E B John