The Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB) intends to appoint approximately 22,000 local observers to monitor the upcoming General and Regional Elections, according to Project Director of the Bureau, Abbas Mancey.
This was disclosed during a recent GECOM-EAB meeting at which Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Dr Steve Surujbally emphasized the need for compliance with the protocols enshrined in the Terms of Reference for local/domestic observers, a GECOM press release said.
The GECOM-EAB meeting was arranged at the request of the EAB to inform GECOM about the status of its plans pertaining to observing the upcoming General and Regional Elections.
Dr. Surujbally was accompanied by Gocool Boodoo, Chief Election Officer and the EAB was represented by Fr. Malcolm Rodriguez and Abbas Mancey, Project Director of the Bureau.
Mancey also reported during the meeting that the names of the appointed persons will be forwarded to GECOM for the respective accreditation.
He stressed that no political activist will be appointed for accreditation as a local observer.
Among its pre-election activities, the EAB will be providing, with assistance from GECOM, suitable training to its members. It will also be involved in testing the accuracy of the Voters List.
Meanwhile, Dr. Surujbally emphasized the need for the EAB to work in direct collaboration with the Chief Election Officer regarding the testing of the Voters List and the accreditation of local observers. Surujbally also underscored the need to consult with GECOM before making pronouncements on any matter relevant to the preparations for and conduct of the elections.
He noted also that the EAB should follow GECOM’s protocol as documented for local observers since a violation could result in the accreditation being suspended or withdrawn, the release concluded.
