– PRO Vishnu Persaud stresses
Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Mr. Vishnu Persaud, has reiterated that, as a matter of policy, GECOM treats all political parties fairly. In an invited comment, he told the Guyana Chronicle that no evidence exists to back assertions that GECOM is unfair to a particular political party.
Mr. Vishnu Persaud was responding to concerns raised by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) when that party’s campaign spokesman expressed dissatisfaction with GECOM’s modus operandi.
Last Friday, PPP/C campaign spokesman, Minister Robert Persaud, charged that GECOM seemed to be putting greater emphasis only on the concerns expressed by opposition parties.
“Our concerns, it seems, are being treated in a very insignificant way; and as a stakeholder, we demand of GECOM to treat us fairly,” he charged.
Minister Persaud made it clear that the PPP/C was not asking any favours of GECOM, but was rather petitioning to be treated respectfully, and for its concerns to be addressed in a manner equal to what other parties enjoy.
The campaign spokesman said: “We see how quickly (to respond) GECOM is when the opposition or others raise issues; they convene meetings and they call them in and they make statements. When we have concerns, sometimes we are not even afforded the opportunity of an acknowledgement, and I think that is something that GECOM needs to correct, and to correct very quickly. The GPSU (Guyana Public Service Union) matter is just an example.”

GPSU DEBACLE
On the note of the GPSU controversy, Mr. Vishnu Persaud reiterated that the matter is still engaging GECOM’s attention.
The objections of the PPP/C as well as the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) came after GPSU General Secretary Deborah Murphy had acknowledged the presidential candidate of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) as “our David Granger” in statements made at the GPSU’s 19th Biennial Delegates’ Conference at the National Cultural Centre on Wednesday, September 28.
Minister Persaud contends that the apparent endorsement of an opposition candidate by a GPSU executive has rendered the GPSU unsuitable to be an observer group.
He said: “We have reiterated our disappointment in GECOM for allowing GPSU to be an elections observer, given the reason we have stated in terms of the GPSU making it quite clear its political preference. We were not given an explanation; in fact, we received no response from GECOM other than to read in the newspaper that GPSU has been accredited (with observer status).”
Mr. Vishnu Persaud posited that GECOM could not have responded to the PPP/C because it was still in the process of investigating that party’s claims.
He explained that GPSU was accredited as a local observer before these concerns were raised; and after they were raised, the commission attempted to gather evidence to ascertain whether or not this was said.
“GECOM checked with Kaieteur News, where the statements were reported, and that publication’s editor, Adam Harris, said he did not have a recording…attempts were made to get the tape from other media houses, but those were unsuccessful. From the last meeting of the commissioners, the position with regard to this issue was that GECOM is waiting on word from the prime minister, who was present on the occasion, to confirm whether the statements were made…GECOM is still to make a decision on the matter,” the PRO stressed.

ZERO TOLERANCE
At GECOM’s last press briefing, Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally made it clear that the accredited organizations have agreed to abide by the principles enshrined in the terms of reference for local observers, failing which their accreditation could be rescinded.
He maintained that observers would tolerate no misdemeanour of any kind at the upcoming general and regional elections; and in the event of such occurring, accredited bodies would be disaccredited.
“I will have no qualms to disaccredit,” he said.
Surujbally contends that GECOM is responsive to the concerns, and have been accommodative to the suggestions, while being guided by the relevant laws and the principles of fairness.
Apart from the PPP/C, the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) has also raised concerns over GPSU’s accreditation as an observer body.