GECOM swears in Returning Officers

Returning Officers with Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield (seated fourth from left) and (Rtd) Justice Claudette Singh, Chairperson, GECOM (seated third from left). (DPI photo)
Returning Officers with Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield (seated fourth from left) and (Rtd) Justice Claudette Singh, Chairperson, GECOM (seated third from left). (DPI photo)

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) yesterday swore in nine of 10 Returning Officers from nine administrative regions in preparation for the March 2nd general elections.

The representative from Region 5 was absent, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI).

In brief remarks, GECOM Chair (Ret’d) Justice Claudette Singh urged the officers to be diligent in their tasks.

Ballot Officers with Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield (seated right) and (Rtd) Justice Claudette Singh, Chairperson, GECOM (seated left). (DPI photo)

“I’m asking you as you take this oath, this oath is a sacred oath, that you will perform your duties with the best of your abilities, discharge your duties well,” she said.

Justice Singh added that she was looking forward to full cooperation from the officers.

DPI said that Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield also called for professionalism.

“As you have sworn that you will carry out these functions without fear or favour and impartiality means quite a lot, not only to yourselves but … no doubt to the Commission, that you will treat with every elector. That you engage in a fair, impartial and transparent manner.”

GECOM also swore in three ballot officers to facilitate early voting of the Disciplined Services. They were drawn from the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, and the Guyana Prison Service.

According to DPI, Lowenfield said GECOM was well on track to hold the March 2 Regional and General Elections.

The Returning Officers sworn in were: Trevor Harris (Region 1), Roxanne Smith (Region 2), Mohanlal Jagdeo (Region 3), Clairmont Mingo (Region 4), Savitri Mangar (Region 6), Glendon Fredricks (Region 7), Dwayne Marco (Region 8), John Abraham (Region 9), and Ransford Alleyne (Region 10).