GECOM could have a new chair by Monday – Pres. Granger
─ His Excellency says this depends on opposition acting in a consensual manner
DPI, Guyana, Friday, July 12, 2019
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), could have a new chairman as early as Monday.
This was expressed by His Excellency, President David Granger on Friday, as he addressed the nation following the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ) consequential orders.
“It is clear that elections have to be held in the shortest possible time and, therefore, it is crucial to appoint a chairman of the GECOM… this could be done as early as Monday if the Opposition is prepared to act in a consensual manner and in good faith,” the Head of State said.
The president made it clear that the Constitution of Guyana is sacrosanct and supreme, and that the independence of the judiciary remains intact, as well as the Elections Commission also remains independent.
Commenting on the conclusion of deliberations by the CCJ on the case related to the appointment of the Chairman of the GECOM, His Excellency agreed that what was indeed most important was for himself and the leader of the opposition to conclude the process of appointing a new GECOM Chairman.
“The President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders, stated that this is imperative and of utmost urgency, I agree… I have committed since 21st December 2018 to the holding of free and fair elections,” H.E stated in his address to the nation.
Representatives of the government and the opposition have met three times this week to “hammer out” the list of nominees for the position of GECOM chair.
Earlier this afternoon, the CCJ, in its post-judgment hearing on the civil appeal between Zulfikar Mohamed and The Attorney General of Guyana and the Chairman of the GECOM ruled that the president and the opposition leader must “embark upon and conclude the process of appointing a new GECOM Chairman”.
H.E President David Granger’s entire message to the nation following the CCJ ruling can be found on the link provided.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEQRRDtEixc
Also, see the full transcript on the link provided.