Rohee raps APNU Chief Whip
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

–over position on GECOM’s election readiness

GENERAL SECRETARY of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Clement Rohee yesterday told the Guyana Chronicle that the Party stands by the advice of its Commissioners on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) over its readiness for local government elections.

And he flayed the Chief Whip and Chief Scrutineer of A Partnership of National Unity (APNU) for her contention that the Party is sidestepping announcements by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), signalling its readiness to hold Local Government Elections.

‘Readiness for the PPP means we have a final voter’s list and the PPP is satisfied that all the arrangements are in place at the Commission, all vacancies are filled, all the transfers are made and people are on their respective list’ – PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee

Ally, according to media reports, said, “In no less a person than the Chairman of GECOM (Dr. Steve Surujbally) intimated that GECOM was ready for local government elections. I don’t understand how the PPP and its Commissioners could come out saying GECOM is not ready.”
Rohee retorted that Ally is clearly “barking up the wrong tree” and ought to recognise that the party’s position is based on advice from its Commissioners.
“She is either ignoring the advice of her Commissioners or they are giving her advice which she has accepted. As far as the PPP is concerned, we are standing by what our Commissioners have told us,” he said.

DEFINITION OF READINESS
The General-Secretary added that the definition of ‘readiness’ may mean something else for APNU and GECOM, but in the party’s view, the definition of readiness is clear.
He said, “Readiness for the PPP means we have a final voter’s list and the PPP is satisfied that all the arrangements are in place at the Commission, all vacancies are filled, all the transfers are made and people are on their respective lists, among other things.
“We want for there to be a level of comfort with the entire process. Right now that level of comfort is not there.”
According to him, the party has taken note of GECOM’s statement, which was issued yesterday, to clarify its position on the hosting of local government elections.
However, he maintained that the party stands by the advice of its Commissioners.
“If the Commission is really ready, what do you need six months for? I stand by what I am saying. Our definition of readiness does not mean you need six months,” Rohee said.
GECOM has said that it has developed its work plan, which puts the timeframe for the conduct of the elections at 180 days commencing from the appointment of a date, by Order given by the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, for the holding of Local Government Elections (LGE). According to the Commission, the 180-days timeframe has nothing to do with GECOM’s “preparedness” as this timeframe is largely a result of the sequential statutory requirements and other prerequisite activities for the conduct of the elections. GECOM’s Work Plan for Local Government Elections, which is being reviewed constantly, contains several major statutory and administrative tasks – some of which will be implemented concurrently, e.g. the acquisition of non-sensitive election materials, advertising/training/evaluation/hiring of Election Day workers, Public Education, Claims and Objections, etc. Each of these activities can be undertaken concomitantly and indeed are currently being addressed.
Section 35 of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Chapter 28:03 provides that “an election shall be held on such a day as the Minister may by order appoint.”

(By Vanesa Narine)

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