4 nominees shortlisted, 5 rejected, 2 under active consideration – DG Harmon

─ ‘Hammering out’ nominees for GECOM Chair continues

─ Govt, opposition representatives to meet again on July 10  

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Government and the opposition met for the second consecutive day to discuss the nominations of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon said that this latest meeting saw from, “the eleven names, four shortlisted. Two are still under active consideration, and five have been rejected with reasons given.” The names of those rejected from the list were not shared so as not to compromise their integrity due to their positions in society.

Another “hammering out meeting” will be held, at 16:00hrs on Thursday, at Castellani House, Georgetown. In the meantime, the Director-General is optimistic that the eight nominees submitted by President David Granger will result in the opposition offering a view or opinion. “They have indicated that the leader of the opposition might bring some additional names.” He restated the intention to conclude the discussion before the end of the week.

The meetings follow last Thursday’s (July 4) meeting between President Granger and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo at the Ministry of the Presidency where they discussed the selection of the GECOM chairman.

President Granger is being represented by Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence and Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon while the opposition leader is represented by Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, Anil Nandlall (MP) and Juan Edgehill (MP).

The two teams are meeting to ‘hammer out’ the names of persons that will comprise the list of six which the leader of the opposition will then present to President Granger, who will choose one person to be named as GECOM’s chair.

This afternoon in an address to the nation, the Head of State reiterated his commitment to holding of elections at the earliest possible time. He noted while adhering to the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice the government working along with the opposition to select six possible nominees for the position of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission.

President Granger said a date for elections will be announced when a Chairman has been selected, sworn in and has advised him on the Commission’s preparedness to hold the election.

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