Canadian High Commissioner Dr Nicole Giles and Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom) Dr Steve Surujbally yesterday signed a CDN$43,360 agreement for the supply of computers to aid the electoral processes in the upcoming elections.
The agreement, which was signed under the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives at the Gecom headquarters in Kingston, will see the purchase of 100 laptops to enhance electoral management.
Giles said it was an enormous pleasure to participate in a project that will benefit the citizens of Guyana. “Through the contribution arrangement, Canada will provide funding for Gecom to acquire laptops to strengthen election management in Guyana,” she stated.
Guyana, she said, had made significant strides in electoral management, especially in the 2011 general elections. However, she noted recommendations were made in the Organisation of the American States and Commonwealth Secretariat reports for areas of improvement in the election process, including adherence to the release of timely results and standardised procedures. “Canada hopes that Guyana considers these recommendations… we hope that the provision of the laptops will help with the implementations of these recommendations,” she stated.
“Electoral bodies must deliver information that is transparent and credible… they must produce timely results,” she emphasised, while stating that the Canadian government has a high level of confidence in Gecom’s ability to deliver credible elections. As a result, she said, Canada is pleased to provide support and is committed to seeing Guyana’s electoral process reach international standards.
Giles also indicated that citizens have their role to play in the elections by voting. She said the right to vote is the most significant representation of a citizen’s participation in the governance of their country.
Chief Election Officer Keith Lowenfield said the signing of the agreement moves Gecom towards improved operations relative to the conduct of elections.
Surujbally added that the donation was timely, since Gecom was on the “homestretch for the elections.”
He noted that if foreign partners were investing in elections in Guyana, it shows they trusted Gecom. He said it worries him when he sees the distrust in the people, especially since Gecom has not given them any reasons within the last two elections for people to distrust it. He added that he was hoping for turbulence-free elections, since “those days are over.”
“Trust Gecom. Walk with Gecom. We have nothing to gain by untruth,” he said, while noting that Gecom was very appreciative of the Canadian Government support and their timely assistance.
