Pres. Granger reiterates support for credible elections at earliest possible time
─ says it would be reckless to appoint a date for elections without GECOM’s advice on readiness
─ reiterated his administration confidence in GECOM’s
DPI, Guyana, Monday, September 16, 2019
His Excellency, President David Granger says the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) must be allowed to continue the task of preparing for the forthcoming General and Regional Elections. The Head of State said that the Commission must assure the public that it is ready to conduct elections and to advise him of its readiness to do so.
In an address to the nation today, President Granger reminded that only then can he, constitutionally, dissolve Parliament and name an elections’ date.
“It would be reckless and irresponsible on my part to appoint a date for elections without the commission’s advice and assurance that it would be ready to conduct elections on such a date,” the president said.
Calling on Guyanese to have confidence in the Election’s Commission, the president further stated:
“Guyanese, I am ready to be guided by the Chairman’s assessment of the commission’s preparedness to conduct elections. I urge everyone to uphold the constitution and respect the judgment of our independent institution and the people who have been appointed to manage them.”
His Excellency, President David Granger
The Head of State noted that it was GECOMs’ responsibility to ensure adequate resources and staffing, the publication of the official list of electors, and administrative mechanisms for efficient polling, are implemented.
He also expressed full confidence in Justice (retd) Claudette Singh’s ability.
“A governmental team met the Chairman and commissioners of the GECOM on Friday 13th of September to ascertain its readiness to conduct the elections. A Parliamentary Opposition team meet the Commission also on Tuesday the 10th of September. We are assured that the Commission is doing everything possible to prepare to conduct credible elections at the earliest time possible.”
President Granger reiterated his administration’s respect for GECOM’s constitutionally safeguarded independence, noting its authorised responsibility for the conduct of General and Regionally Elections, adding:
“I look forward to the commission’s recommendation to the conduct of credible election at the earliest time possible.”