–Int’l community praises GECOM, political parties for smooth submissions of nomination papers
Democracy prevailed in Guyana as political parties regardless of size or philosophy were given an equal opportunity to present their Lists of Candidates to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections – much to the satisfaction of the Diplomat Community, whose representatives keenly observed the process as it unfolded at the Umana Yana on Friday.
U.S Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch; British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn; India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa; and Head of the European Union, Ambassador Fernando Ponz Cantó were among the diplomats that were present at the Umana Yana as a total of 13 political parties presented their Lists of Candidates to the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield.
“It was a peaceful celebration of democracy,” the Head of the European Union told Guyana Chronicle as he offered his assessment of Nomination Day here in Guyana. He said the Elections Commission as well as the political parties ought to be congratulated for executing the process smooth and incident free.
“I think it is also worthy to mention that all the parties participated in a very constructive way. It is a very important step for the elections in Guyana and of course crucial for Guyana and it is very encouraging to see the process smoothly executed,” Ambassador Cantó told this newspaper.
Like the EU Ambassador, the US Ambassador, who observed the entire process, said it was smoothly conducted. “I was here the whole time and it was terrific to see all of the parties present their information. It was a very fun afternoon in many ways, and very exciting to see everybody present their information to the GECOM officials,” Ambassador Lynch shared.
She added: “I really enjoyed the experience and I wish every party the best of luck in a rigorous peaceful campaign.”
The U.S Ambassador said, come March 2, she will be observing the elections along with the International and Local Observers. The U.S is providing GECOM with assistance in area of Voters’ Education ahead of the elections. “For the most part they are focused on Voters’ Education, and helping citizens understand rights and responsibilities of the poll workers as well as the voters. So we are very happy that we were asked to provide that assistance,” the U.S Ambassador said.
The British High Commissioner also deemed the nomination process a success. “I think it has gone very well. I think GECOM and all the parties should be congratulated for a very successful Nomination Day. I think now, the campaigning, the hard work, is going to begin and I look forward to a hard fought campaign but a peaceful campaign and a respectful campaign and a campaign where everybody regardless of their political view and political position is able to express their views and their position,” High Commissioner Quinn told the Guyana Chronicle. He too will be observing the General and Regional Elections.
Added to the support given by the U.S, former Canadian Chief Electoral Officer, Jean-Pierre Kingsley was retained by GECOM to provide technical support to the electoral body. According to the Elections Canada, Kingsley served as Chief Electoral Officer from 1990 to 2007. It was noted that during his term, he adopted a proactive role for his Office, recommending and promoting key initiatives to make the electoral process more accessible. Two technical officers from the Electoral Commission of Jamaica are also here in Guyana providing assistance.
