The Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) has drawn attention to the lack of “independent scrutineers” in Guyana’s electoral process.
A statement issued last evening from the party noted that during a meeting with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) a fact-finding team was provided “detailed information on electoral scrutineers” including their ability to scrutinize every transaction of the electoral period including during Election Day.
“It was noted by the LJP delegation that there are no independent scrutineers as they are all sourced from Parliamentary Parties,” the statement reads.
Guyana’s electoral law specifically provides for the appointment of scrutineers by Parliamentary political parties. These scrutineers are part of the registration process and they are entitled to inspect and copy information on electors, in their respective divisions or sub-divisions. They are also empowered to be present at each objection hearing and on Election Day where they witness and certify the count from each ballot box.
The meeting was requested by LJP which was represented by General Secretary John Flores, campaign manager Yvonne Cole and senior party members Davon Vanveen and Yvette Irving.
Present on GECOM’s behalf were Chairman retired Justice Claudette Singh, Chief Election Officer Keith Lowenfield and Commissioners including government nominated Commissioner Vincent Alexander.
Lowenfield according to the statement also provided the party with information on the procedures of the claims and objections period with emphasis on how to be included on the final voters list and the criteria to do so as well as the procedure and timetable for the production of the final voters list.
“The LJP was encouraged by GECOM’s commitment to share relevant electoral information with all parties,” the statement adds.
Yesterday’s meeting was the last in a series held by the party with key stakeholders as it works to establish a footing in Guyanese politics.
Party Leader Lennox Shuman told a press conference last Friday that so far they have requested and been granted a meeting with President David Granger and most of the other political parties but the main opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic has not acknowledged their request.
“The PPP to this point has not shown interest…it speaks to leadership and maturity of political parties in wanting to move forward. I question their [commitment] to moving forward when they won’t participate in dialogue,” Shuman said adding that in the absence of dialogue you will have situations like that which unfolded at the Pegasus Hotel during an event hosted by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association.
Noting that some Ministers would’ve had their personal space invaded he condemned such actions.
