The Commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) appointed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Sase Gunraj, affirmed that the Commission will be fully prepared for the General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1, 2025, as announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. Gunraj made these declarations during a media briefing prior to a commissioners’ meeting, marking their first gathering since the President’s announcement.
During the briefing, Gunraj disclosed that the commissioners received a work plan from Chief Elections Officer Vishnu Persaud which would be evaluated and approved in alignment with the President’s timeline. He clarified that while he cannot speak for GECOM’s Chairman, retired Judge Justice Claudette Singh, the constitution mandates elections to be held within a three-month period, and the President’s timeline exceeds that.
Gunraj expressed confidence that GECOM is poised to conduct the elections on the specified date, emphasizing that the responsibility to set the election date rests solely with the President. He believes that both citizens and the international community anticipate the upcoming elections, noting that GECOM has already made significant progress in preparations. Despite some anticipated challenges from opposition-nominated commissioners regarding the voters list, Gunraj assured that these matters have been addressed and are in continuous review.
During the initial meeting, dissenting commissioners from the opposition staged a walkout, claiming the election timing doesn’t align with best practices, underscoring the ongoing tensions within the Commission.
Source: guyanachronicle.com
