Dear Editor,
The Chair of GECOM has once again shown her hand or rather her slip is showing. At GECOM`s meeting, September 13, 2022, the APNU+AFC wrote to GECOM requesting an extension of the period for Claims because GECOM`s notice at its offices clearly stated that Claims and Objections would be conducted from August 22 to September 18, yet when persons turned up to make claims on September 13, they were told that the period ended on September 12, even as the notices outside of the offices continued to publicize September 18 as the last day for Claims and Objections.
This is a matter of entitlement to register and consequently the entitlement to vote, yet a PPP/C commissioner objected to an extension and another requested that the PPP/C be consulted before a decision is taken while essaying that he is not in support of the extension. This decision, apart from GECOM not taking responsibility for yet another administrative bungling, has opted to have the PPP/C determine whether citizens can realize their rights, even in the face of years of precedents. In the past, there was only one recourse. The deadline was extended and citizens were provided with the opportunity to register and overcome GECOM`s bungling, more specifically in this instance the CEO`s bungling. Imagine the Judge lent her support to such an act.
Yours faithfully,
Vincent Alexander
GECOM Commissioner