VISHNU Persaud was yesterday sworn as the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) new Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) and Deputy Commissioner of Registration (DCEO/DCNR) by Chief Justice (ag.) Ian Chang.
His swearing in followed the approval of his appointment by the Commissioners at a meeting this week.In an invited comment, Persaud said, “It is indeed and honour and a privilege to have been given the opportunity to serve at this high level at the Guyana Elections Commission; something which I consider to be as acting in

service to the nation.
“I am thankful for the level of confidence the Commissioners have expressed by approving my appointment. I am committed to carrying my duties without bias fear or favour.
“I have always enjoyed good relations with the other team members and senior management within the Secretariat of GECOM and I am confident that I will benefit from their support throughout my tour of duties.”
Chair of the Commission, Dr. Steve Surujbally, when contacted by the Guyana Chronicle, expressed confidence that Persaud will ably support the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Mr. Keith Lowenfield.
According to him, Persaud is intimately familiar with the various aspects of the Commission’s work.
“I have worked with him for more than 15 years and I think he is both efficient and capable of performing his new duties,” Surujbally said.
Prior to this appointment, Persaud served as GECOM’s Public Relations Officer since November 2001. The now vacant post of Public Relations Officer is expected to be advertised this week.
He also served GECOM in the capacity of Scribe to the commission from 2004 to April this year, and as Personal Assistant to the Chairman from 2002 up to the point his current appointment. Further, Mr. Persaud has been integrally involved in GECOM‘s Public Education campaigns and promoting the image of GECOM.
Persaud holds a Diploma in Public Relations from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Level 5 Certificate in Elections Management from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), both being Educational Institutions in the United Kingdom.
According to a statement from GECOM, Persaud’s appointment resulted from a transparent recruitment process which involved (i) advertising the vacant position, (ii) receiving applications and shortlisting suitable candidates, and (iii) the conduct of interviews by a panel comprising the GECOM Chairman, four Commissioners and the Chief Election Officer.

(By Vanessa Narine )