The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has extended the period for the distribution of new National Identification (ID) cards.
The distribution of ID cards will continue until December 31, 2009 at distribution centres countrywide. GECOM had previously advised through public notices that the distribution exercise would conclude on December 6, 2009. The distribution of ID cards commenced on November 9, 2009 in Registration District 4 before it was extended nationally.
Stabroek News was told that distribution would continue at the 272 temporary distribution centres set up countrywide until the end of the year, at which point GECOM’s permanent Registration Offices would have responsibility for the exercise. There will be a break in the ID card distribution to facilitate the holding of local government polls and thereafter the process would resume.
During the distribution exercise, registrants have continued to complain about the quality of ID card photographs. GECOM publicity officer Vishnu Persaud, in a recent letter to the press, advised that the commission was aware of complaints about photographs. “We expected to encounter glitches, e.g. poor photographs in the ID card production system, especially since this system is being operated by humans, notwithstanding the extensive training provided to them,” he explained. Although some registrants have reported being told that they would have to wait until the upcoming Claims and Objections exercise in order to rectify problems with ID card photographs, he noted that every ID card distribution centre has been equipped with a digital camera, with instructions to retake photographs in instances where they are found to be dissimilar to the facial features of the registrant. He, however, admitted that this instruction has not been followed in every case. Nevertheless, registrants would be able to use the Claims and Objections process to initiate remedial action.
December 7, 2009 had been the original date proposed for the start of Claims and Objections. However, the exercise awaits the approval of constituency boundaries. Stabroek News was told that in order for Claims and Objections to proceed, there would have to be a preliminary list of electors for the respective constituencies. Once GECOM approves the boundaries identified, the Chief Election Officer would issue an order for the identification of Claims and Objections.
