Jagdeo consulting civil society on new GECOM Chairman

Leader of the Opposition,  Bharrat Jagdeo has begun a series of consultations with civil society groups over the next Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission.

A release yesterday from Jagdeo’s office said that he had “in pursuit of the practice of inclusionary -democracy …provided an opportunity for citizens’ participation through their respective organizations in the process of the nomination of individuals to be submitted to the President for selection of the new Chairman”.

The release said that yesterday he led a delegation of People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Parliamentarians that consulted with representatives of the Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Labour communities at Parliament Buildings.

These consultations are to continue today with the private sector, youth, women, indigenous leaders, professional bodies and other prominent Non-governmental organizations.

The release said that the engagements yesterday saw wide-ranging discussions on the importance of a strong and effective GECOM and the submission of names to be considered for the appointment of a new Chairman.

The release from Jagdeo’s office did not name the groups which participated in the deliberations.

A new Chairman is being sought as Dr Steve Surujbally has resigned from the post. Jagdeo is to submit a list of six names to President David Granger who would then make a selection.