COMMISSIONERS of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will meet today, their first meeting for the year, and among the major issues for consideration is the appointment of the Chief Elections Officer.

This is according to GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Vishnu Persaud, who added that the appointment of the CEO was discussed by the commissioners at their last meeting.
Persaud noted that the “substantive number of applications” has already gone through the process of shortlisting.
GECOM advertised for applicants last August and they had until the end of September to make their submissions.
The Guyana Chronicle understands that among the applicants are three Guyanese including acting Chief Elections Officer, Calvin Benn and Acting Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield.
The appointment of the CEO is a major component for the hosting of local government elections.
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 mistake that was made in the allocation of seats in the 2011 elections. The mistake had been rectified. Also, Boodoo’s late submission of notice of his intent to seek renewal of his contract affected his prospects of being reappointed to the position.
The Chief Election Officer is required to play the key leadership role in the Secretariat of the Guyana Elections Commission, with responsibility for implementing all aspects of its operations, and ensuring that results achieved are consistent with the Laws of Guyana and the policies determined by the Chairman and Commission.
The Chief Election Officer will act as the Commission’s primary point of contact to the staff members of the Secretariat, whose activities include the registration of registrants; the distribution of ID Cards, the provision of information and guidance on electoral operational matters to community organisations and other stakeholders.
The new official will 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, donor and international agencies, in matters relating directly to the operations of GECOM.

(By Vanessa Narine)