Region 4 Returning Officer resumes tabulation exercise using Statements of Poll

March 13, 2020. GEORGETOWN – In the interest of transparency, the Returning Officer for Region # 4, Mr. Clairmont Mingo has resumed the tabulation exercise this morning (Friday, 13th March, 2020) using the statements of poll.

The Returning Officer has decided restart the entire exercise and is hopeful that with the cooperation of those present, the exercise would be completed within the shortest possible time. Mr. Mingo has pointed out that the Chief Justice in her written judgement at # 83 stated that “…However, it is not for the persons to intervene in or stop the tabulation process and ultimately the declaration of the votes, which declaration must be public, because they are of the view that the RO has not addressed their concern.”

Consequent to the foregoing, the Chief Justice unequivocally pointed to section 84(2) of the Representation of the People

Act, Chapter 1:03 which provides for redress if there is dissatisfaction with the addition and ultimately the declaration.

In this regard, the Guyana Elections Commission is hopeful that with full compliance from all stakeholders, this aspect of the process could be concluded and ultimately a step closer towards the finalization of the electoral process.