PUBLIC Relations Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Mr Vishnu Persaud, told the Guyana Chronicle that the Secretariat is moving to the interviewing and selection stage in the process to appoint a new Chief Elections Officer.To date, he said, short-listing of applicants has been completed, but GECOM is yet to meet for the New Year, when officials would discuss in more detail the appointment of a new chief elections officer.

He added that the substantive post has attracted several applications.

The post of Chief Elections Officer became vacant after GECOM declined to renew the contract of Gocool Boodoo following concerns raised by the Opposition over a computing error made in the allocation of seats in the 2011 elections. That mistake had been rectified.

Boodoo’s late submission of notice of his intent to seek renewal of his contract is also affecting his prospects of being reappointed to the position.

GECOM invited interested persons to apply for the position last August, and applicants had until the end of September to submit their applications.
The Chief Elections Officer is required to play the key role in the Secretariat of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), having responsibility for implementing all aspects of GECOM’s operations, and ensuring that results achieved are consistent with the laws of Guyana and policies determined by the GECOM Chairman and its Commissioners.

The Chief Elections Officer acts as the Commission’s primary point of contact with staff members of the Secretariat, whose activities include registration of registrants; distribution of ID Cards; provision of information, and guidance on electoral operational matters to community organisations and other stakeholders.

The person appointed as Chief Elections Officer would also be required to represent the Commission’s policies and activities in interactions with stakeholders and other interest groups, including political parties, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), donor and international agencies, in matters relating directly to the operations of GECOM.
Written By Vanessa Narine