March 2, 2020 definite date for elections – Pres. Granger
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, September 26, 2019
His Excellency, President David Granger today confirmed that March 2, 2020, is the date for the hosting of General and Regional Elections in Guyana; putting an end to the speculation that followed his announcement on Wednesday evening.
His Excellency, President David Granger addressing the media at an event on Thursday.
“Elections will be held on 2nd March. That was the advice I received. I did not want to use perhaps more definitive terms because I expected that in accordance with the Constitution we should have to go to Parliament but if we don’t, if the opposition does not go to Parliament, well we will abide by what I said last night and elections will be held on 2nd March. That’s a definitive as I can get.”
The Head of State said information on the date was considered by both the members of his Cabinet and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). He also expressed his satisfaction with Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) extended Claims and Objections period.
“I am satisfied that the Commission is confident that the extended Claims and Objections period would allow all the electors to indicate whether there are any claims or objections. I am satisfied that was the assurance given by the Chairman of the Commission.”
On Wednesday evening, President Granger, during his address to the nation, named March 2, 2020, as the date for the hosting of free, fair and credible elections.
This announcement follows GECOM Chairman, (ret’d) Justice Claudette Singh’s missive on September 19, 2019, indicating that the body would be able to deliver credible elections by the end of February 2020. President Granger met with his Cabinet twice to discuss the timeline provided by the commission.
He also met Justice Singh, on Wednesday, September 25, for discussions on the statutory timelines for the upcoming General and Regional Elections before addressing the nation.
Image: Keno George