A government-nominated Commissioner of the Guyana’s Elections Commission (GECOM) said on Tuesday that the constitutional body is fully capable of preparing for General and Regional Elections by September 1, rejecting concerns raised by opposition-nominated Commissioners that the timeline could undermine the credibility of the process.
Commissioner Sase Gunraj told Guyana Standard that the date announced by President Irfaan Ali was based on advice from the Chair and that GECOM can be ready by then.
His statement came in response to criticism from opposition-nominated Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, and Desmond Trotman, who said they were blindsided by the President’s announcement and noted that no formal vote had been taken at the Commission to approve a work plan that accommodates a September 1 election.
At a press conference on Tuesday morning, the trio said that a work plan presented by the CEO had indicated September 21 as the earliest feasible date for elections. They contended that while GECOM might be able to technically meet the September 1 date, doing so would require compressing several key preparatory activities, such as nominations, training, and finalization of the list, into a truncated schedule.
Such a squeeze, they argued, could compromise the Commission’s ability to deliver elections that are free, fair, and credible.
The Commission, which is constitutionally mandated to manage Guyana’s electoral processes, is composed of three members nominated by the government, three by the opposition, and a Chairperson appointed by the President in consensus with the opposition.
Though the President has the authority to name an election date following consultation with GECOM, the opposition-nominated members maintain that the decision was made without proper Commission endorsement.
President Ali announced the September 1 date on Sunday, during Independence celebrations.
