GECOM’s House-to-House Registration begins tomorrow

─ all eligible persons must register even if they were previously registered

 

DPI, Guyana, Friday, July 19, 2019

 

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has announced the commencement of the much-anticipated House-to-House Registration. This process is one which the government has repeatedly stated will aid in the execution of “free and fair” elections.

 

GECOM announced today that registration would begin on Saturday, July 20. The countrywide exercise, it said, is in keeping with a decision of the Elections Commission in February this year, and in accordance with Order No. 25 of 2019 dated June 11, 2019.

 

“Registration is a legal requirement according to the National Registration Act, Chapter 19:08 and therefore, all eligible persons are mandated to register. House-to-House Registration is a new registration exercise and therefore, all eligible persons must register even if they were previously registered,” GECOM said in a missive this afternoon.

 

According to the elections body, following the exercise, a new National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB), which is reflective of the current Guyanese population, will be created. Subsequently, the Official List of Electors (OLE) will be extracted to conduct General and Regional Elections.

 

According to GECOM, persons eligible for registration are as follows: – Guyanese citizens by birth, descent, naturalisation or registration, and who will be 14 years and older by October this year, or a citizen of a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for no less than one year preceding the qualifying date – are all eligible for registration.

 

“Residents are urged to have the relevant documents required for registration ready and be on the lookout for GECOM’s Registration Officials in their area. These documents include an original Birth Certificate, a Valid Passport, Naturalisation Certificate, Certificate of Registration, Adoption Certificate and Deed Poll or Marriage Certificate (if applicable),” the release stated.

 

GECOM said for the exercise; each eligible person will only be registered where he/she resides. Residences include dwelling places such as homes, residential institutions such as hospices and homes for youth and the elderly. It noted that registration would not be conducted at GECOM Registration Offices.

 

“While the Commission is undertaking the registration exercise, concurrent operational activities for the preparations of General and Regional Elections are underway.”

The Coalition Government has been adamant that House to House Registration is necessary for the holding of credible elections.