PRESIDENT David Granger is currently reviewing the Curricula Vitae of the third list of nominees submitted by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, being considered for the chairmanship of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
On Friday, the President told reporters at the Ramada Princess Hotel, “I want to ensure that Guyana gets the best candidate and that the nomination was in accordance with the constitution and that person would be able to function without fear or favour. In brief, I am looking for a fit and proper person.”
Late last month, the opposition leader submitted the third list of nominees to the President after the previous lists were rejected by President Granger for not being in conformity with Constitutional requirements.
The third list comprises former GECOM Chairman Major-General (retired) Joseph Singh, Attorneys Teni Housty and Sanjeev Datadin, businesswoman Annette Arjoon-Martins, Pastor Onesi La Fleur and former Magistrate, Krishendatt Persaud.
The head-of-state has maintained that nominees must reflect the criteria set in Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, which speaks to the selection of a ‘fit and proper’ candidate to fill the post.
The President was unable to state when he will complete his review of the Curricula Vitae of the nominees, but maintained that he is not to be blamed for the delay in the appointment of the GECOM chair. He last consulted with the opposition leader in June after the second list of nominees was submitted.