The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has announced that it will be collaborating with the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) of Guyana to disseminate “pertinent information” about the upcoming local government elections, among the constituents of the various religious groups here.
This was the principal outcome of a meeting on Tuesday at the GECOM Boardroom between the two entities, following a request from the IRO to discuss “the need for this organisation to be provided with comprehensive information about the [local government elections] in a simplified manner.”
The IRO is of the view, the release noted, that as a national body it held itself responsible to empower its diverse constituents with the relevant knowledge in order that they could have a say in the management of their respective local authority areas by casting their ballots at the polls. Consequently, the IRO requested that the Commission facilitate and provide technical and financial support for the holding of a one-day conference on March 3 or 10, 2010.
GECOM’s Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally emphasised that such cooperation is an integral component of the Commission’s Civic and Voter Education strategy, which is aimed at generating maximum participation at the polls. He also stressed the need for similar arrangements to be made with other civil organisations.
Dr Surujbally also pledged that senior staff members of the GECOM Secretariat who are conversant with the new electoral system for the polls would educate the leaders of the various religious groups, which are affiliated with the IRO.
GECOM will provide to the participants at the conference pertinent information documented in simple language and the religious leaders in turn will, in consultation with GECOM, be required to assemble their respective congregations to participate at similar educational sessions. Competent GECOM personnel will be present to address issues with specific focus on the electoral system to prevent possible misinterpretations and consequent confusion among the electorate, the release stated.
GECOM, Surujbally explained, would not be opposed to the conduct of educational sessions by the IRO and, or, its affiliates, regarding the civil responsibilities of their constituents having a voice in the management of their respective local authorities. The IRO accepted the Commission’s positions as outlined by the GECOM chairman, the release added.
The GECOM-IRO meeting was attended by all members of the Commission while the IRO was represented by Swami Aksharananda, co-chair, Pastor Ronald McGarrell, co-chair, Brother Mansoor Baksh, secretary, Sister Jennifer Dewar, treasurer, and Sister Joyce Nauth, member.