Dear Editor,
Chairperson of the Guyana Elec-tions Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh met with members of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Thursday, 29th August, 2019 to discuss GECOM’s state of readiness for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.
The meeting was held in response to a request by the PSC to meet with the newly appointed GECOM’s Chairperson. During the two-hour meeting which was held in the GECOM’s Boardroom, Chairman of the PSC, Mr. Gerald Gouveia explained that there has been a fruitful relationship between the two agencies for more than fifteen years. He outlined some of the specific areas of collaboration in particular, the PSC’s role as accredited observers during elections and expressed an interest in continued support and collaboration.
However, the meeting focused extensively on GECOM’s state of preparedness for the holding of the elections in light of the constitutional deadline, the CCJ’s ruling on the no-confidence motion and the recent ruling of the Chief Justice on House-to-House Registration. Specifically, the PSC expressed concerns as it relates to what was referred to as ‘the possible lengthy duration’ to merge the National Register of Registrant Databases (NRRDBs).
In response to the concerns raised, Justice Singh explained that in her capacity as GECOM’s Chairperson, she will be doing everything possible within her remit to ensure that the rulings of the Court are honoured and the elections are held within the shortest possible time.
She added that, based on her decisions taken at the last statutory meeting, the technical team is working to provide timelines to the Commission.
Also present at the meeting was Chief Election Officer, Mr. Keith Lowenfield who provided details on the Secretariat’s operational activities.
Upon conclusion of the meeting, the PSC submitted a letter requesting accreditation to observe the upcoming General and Regional Elections and pledged continued support and collaboration with the Commission.
The Guyana Elections Commission remains committed to engaging stakeholders as it works assiduously to ensure a credible lists is established and elections are held within the shortest possible time.
Yours faithfully,
Yolanda Ward
Public Relations Officer
Guyana Elections Commission
