GECOM Chairman, PPP General Secretary meet on elections preparations
THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has reaffirmed that it remains on track for the upcoming elections this year, despite setbacks being experienced in the importation of equipment needed for the production of ID cards. In response to concerns that General Secretary of the PPP, Donald Ramotar, raised about the Guyana Elections Commission, Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally said that he met with Ramotar and cleared the air on issues regarding the postponement of key dates.
Dr. Surujbally spoke to members of the media at an impromptu briefing while at his office yesterday. The meeting between Ramotar and Dr. Surujbally took place yesterday.
“I just had Mr. Donald Ramotar over because he had made the statement, [but] I think he understands the situation perfectly now. He was right. It is not that he is incorrect. We had to postpone some dates because some of the equipment did not come in on time…equipment that we need and materials that we need to produce the ID cards; and we will not start the Claims and Objections until the ID cards are produced,” Dr. Surujbally said.
He added that while the delays might “shift us a bit” the elections were on track. “The delays will not hamper the elections date in any way; and in any case; I don’t decide on a date. The President will decide when he will call the elections,” said the GECOM Chairman.
Two weeks ago, one GECOM commissioner had disputed the assertion that the body has been meeting as regularly as it should. Speaking to this newspaper on the condition of anonymity, the commissioner said that many times there is no quorum because of the absence of one or two commissioners appointed by the opposition.
Said the GECOM Chairman, “That I think happened on two occasions and I think it was a storm in a teacup really. There is a meeting today and we will be quorate. Last week there was a meeting and it was quorate. Next week we will have a meeting and it will be quorate. So I am not worried too much about that. Always keep in mind that we are on track for the elections this year.”