No hindrance moving into elections mode – GECOM assures
― moving ahead with 2019 programme
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, February 21, 2019
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said there will be no hindrances to moving into elections mode when a date is announced.
While appearing on the National Communications Network (NCN Inc.) programme ‘Context’, GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander explained that until the body is advised on an election date, the commission will be working with its 2019 programme which includes the claims and objections period and house-to-house registration. He emphasised that there will be no “hindrances to GECOM moving into elections mode”.
“The pursuit of the 2019 programme would not inhibit GECOM’s preparation for elections when that date is announced because a major element for the preparation of elections would be the preparation of a list and house-to-house registration would lead such a list,” Alexander said.
He explained that it would be impossible for the body to host elections in 90 days given what is required for efficient elections. He said that it would be “foolhardy” of GECOM to embark on an exercise which it cannot complete in the given timeframe.
“We have datelines which we have to observe… Some matters take 35 days as a dateline; some take 21 days as a dateline… when you add up those days, 90 days is impossible.”
Alexander said that this was anticipated in the Constitution as it allows for an extension of time once two-thirds of the National Assembly votes in favour of this.
He said to go forward with the hosting of elections by March 2019, this would entail the use of the list for Local Government Elections (LGE).
“For Local Government Elections, a list was prepared; that list did not see claims and objections being conducted in the areas where there are no Local Government bodies. It means, therefore, if you are simply to use that list and not have claims and objections across the country persons who are on the register of registrants but did not meet the qualifying date in October of last year would not have been brought onto the list.”
The commissioner underscored that it is the responsibility of GECOM to hold an efficient election and to do this, persons who became eligible to vote in October 2018 must not be disenfranchised.
Anara Khan.