The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is scheduled to reconvene on Thursday to strategize the work plan for the upcoming General Elections set for September 1. This meeting follows a walkout by three opposition-nominated Commissioners during Tuesday’s session, highlighting their concerns over the Commission’s readiness.
Election Commissioner Vincent Alexander expressed that while the opposition members will participate in Thursday’s meeting, they plan to stress that President Irfaan Ali needs better guidance from GECOM regarding their preparedness for the elections. Alexander raised alarm over GECOM’s ability to meet critical statutory deadlines before the set election date, emphasizing that essential recommendations, particularly concerning the accuracy of the voters’ list, must be strictly adhered to.
Among the pressing topics is the discussion on voting rights for incarcerated individuals, especially those held on remand, which Alexander categorized as a Human Rights issue. He underscored that alongside the President’s constitutional responsibility to declare an election date, GECOM is mandated to ensure elections are fair and inclusive to avoid disenfranchisement.
The walkout occurred after GECOM’s Chair, Justice Claudette Singh, introduced a revised work plan without satisfactorily explaining the Commission’s preparedness to the President. The Chief Election Officer later asserted that a proper work plan had not been provided previously, but rather merely a schedule of activities. The subtext of the discussions reveals concerns about transparency and proper electoral management, with Alexander accusing the Chairman and CEO of deceptive practices since the 2020 elections, jeopardizing the integrity of future elections.
Source: newssourcegy.com
