A precursor team of medium-term observers from the Carter Center met with Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally last Friday to discuss the strategic directions of its observer mission.
According to a statement from GECOM, Team Leader and Assistant Director of the Carter Center’s Global Development Initiative Jason Calder indicated that it may be looking to establish a core medium observer team of four persons to lead its mission to observe the May 11th general elections.
Calder, GECOM said, further stated that the Carter Center plans to have six medium-term observers comprising three teams of two persons each, which can be deployed by April 22nd. In addition, the Center is expected to have at least 30 short term observers deployed closer to election day.
A total of 42 persons are expected to complete the observer mission.
Calder, GECOM noted, also discussed a preliminary logistical plan for the three medium-term observer teams, indicating that one team would cover regions 2, 3, and 7, another team will cover regions 5 and 6 and the other regions 1, 8, and 9.
Surujbally, according to the statement, expressed his satisfaction that the Carter Center has once again taken a keen interest in observing elections in Guyana. He also committed GECOM to assist the team in whatever information requirements they may need. He further advised the representatives to send all plans and other training materials they intend to use during their mission to GECOM so that they can be assessed by GECOM for accuracy and completeness.
Surujbally also asked that the Carter Center agitate for peace and serenity before, during and after the elections and to help explain to the public the need for calm as citizens await the final official results. He once more emphasised that GECOM will not be sacrificing accuracy for expediency when it comes to the delivery of the election results.
Calder was accompanied by Pedro Teixeira, Operations Manager, while Surujbally was accompanied by GECOM Public Relations Officer Richard Francois at the meeting.
