The PPP says that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has assured it that steps will be taken to avoid as far as practicable, the use of private residences as polling stations.
A number of private residences were used as polling stations in the 2011 general election and this had attracted widespread criticism.
On Monday, a high-level team led by General Secretary Clement Rohee, Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha and other senior members of the People’s Progressive Party [PPP] met with GECOM’s Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally; CEO, Keith Lowenfield and Commissioners of the electoral body at their Head Office in Kingston, Georgetown.
A release from the PPP on Tuesday said that the meeting was in response to the request made by the PPP to discuss issues of concern in relation to the anticipated elections this year.
The PPP release said that importantly, “GECOM has agreed to engage in wider consultations with major political stakeholders and other interest groups in dealing with concerns that (pose) possible threats to the electoral process and in taking key decisions that will affect the electorate”. PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee said in the press release this this was a high point of the meeting since the PPP has always been at the forefront in calling for more inclusiveness in the work of GECOM.
The PPP delegation said it was also informed that GECOM’s permanent staff will serve as Information Clerks as against the inexperienced and lesser qualified staff as was previously the case which created confusion and frustration for voters.
The PPP delegation also insisted that there be background checks of applicants for polling day positions though it did not say what GECOM’s response to this was.
“The PPP delegation insisted that proper background checks of applicants must be done by GECOM in order to recruit suitable persons who are deemed fit to execute their duties in a professional and neutral manner on `E-Day’. The PPP delegation called for a public vetting process and committed to provide GECOM with justifications in respect of persons not suitable for employment by GECOM. The Party delegation advised that for GECOM to gain public trust and allow for further vetting, GECOM must make public the names of all persons to be employed earliest…”
The release said that the PPP also welcomed the decision to have a folio – the list of electors and their photos – made available to all party polling agents. It said that previously polling stations were given one folio for all party polling agents rather than one per agent. At some stations no folio was available, the PPP said, and that the pictures of the electors were very poor in quality.
The release said that the parties agreed to meet again shortly to continue discussions on other issues “which will ensure that future elections are transparent and credible”.
