The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has issued a call for domestic observers for the June 12th local government polls.
In a statement, GECOM said that in order to enhance transparency, credibility and impartiality in the conduct of the Local Government Elections (LGE) it was inviting local groups desirous of observing the elections to apply for accreditation.
It said that all local observer groups would be required to fulfil the following minimum standards:
● Familiarity and experience with electoral laws and procedures;
● Previous experience of election monitoring and/or other relevant experience or know-how and specific training, national and/or international;
● Interpersonal skills (e.g. capacity of balanced judgement, ability to work in teams, ability to cope with difficult situations, respect for diverse attitudes, good
communication skills, readiness to work in a multi-cultural environment);
● Ability to maintain professional independence and strict impartiality in the conduct of duties;
● Demonstrated commitment to democracy and human rights;
It added that applications for accreditation as Local Observers must contain the following information:
1. Name, address and contact details of the eligible organisation or group.
2. Name of the head of the eligible organisation or group and evidence of similar past experiences.
3. The type of activity covered by the organisation or group and evidence of similar past experiences.
4. Name and contact details for proposed observers.
5. Official/registration documents etc.
6. The proposed Local Authority Area(s) to observe.
It said that the applications by Local Observer Groups must be in a prescribed form (Observer Application Form) which is available on the GECOM website (www.gecom.org.gy). This form must be submitted to the Chief Election Officer no later than Friday, May 12, 2023.
GECOM said that all decisions taken pertaining to approval/denial of applications for accreditation as local observers shall be final.
