In spite of the ruling party’s continuing objections, Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom) chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally says due diligence was done in the hiring of Richard Francois as the body’s new Public Relations Officer and he remains confident that he will do the work of the commission.
Surujbally also reiterated that the constitution clearly states that political parties ought not to involve themselves in the management of Gecom, while appealing to the media to support the elections body.
Speaking on Sunday at the closing ceremony of a two-day media workshop which focused on elections coverage, Dr. Surujbally noted the presence of Francois at the event and mentioned that he would be liaising with the media.
“I have no doubts that the current PR person [Francois] will be carrying out the Commission’s objectives,” he said. He added that what Francois believes as a citizen is not his concern, as he pointed out that statements cannot be made by Francois without it passing through the commission or him.
Therefore, he stated, if there is to be a relationship between the media and Gecom, “just as I open my door to you,