RECOUNTING is ongoing at polling stations in Regions 1 (Barima/ Waini) and 2 (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) – two of the 10 regions where recounts were requested by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).The Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, yesterday disclosed that the Returning Officers, in whose hands the decision lies, are yet to grant approval for the recounts in seven regions – Regions 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
“The Regional Officers have not responded to the PPP/C, to say if they will or will not entertain the request,” he said at a news conference, held at GECOM’s Command Centre, High Street.
Lowenfield explained that all the Regional Officers are in receipt of correspondence from the PPP/C detailing their request for recounts and have deliberated with him “fully” regarding the move forward.
“When the letters were received by Returning Officers, they engaged me and we deliberated… action or inaction is to be decided and is within the hands of the Returning Officers,” he said, adding that they understand the legal parameters, within which they work.
Meanwhile, the GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, made it clear that the Returning Officers are not subjected to instructions by the Commission, rather are independent and told to work within the law.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Chronicle was informed last evening that the Returning Officer in Region 4 has denied the PPP/C requests to have 267 recounts, out of many others made.
The letter from the GECOM official, seen by this newspaper, however, cites no reason for the denial of the request.
This newspaper was informed that recounting efforts in Regions 1 and 2 were suspended before midnight. With an assurance by GECOM that additional preliminary results will be released today, questions are being asked about whether or not the completion of the process will be facilitated.
The PPP/C has charged that there are a number of serious irregularities in the electoral process, for example the issue of broken stamps, which resulted in a high number of ballots being rejected for want of an official mark.
Other problems, according to the PPP/C, which were documented and forwarded to GECOM include misdirection by some GECOM staffers who advised voters, and the denial of proxy holders to use their proxies, among others. (Vanessa Narine)