CHAIRMAN of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr. Steve Surujbally, told the Guyana Chronicle that GECOM continues to engage political parties.

“We met with AFC last Tuesday,” he said in an invited comment.

In the latter part of August, the GECOM Chairman had noted that meetings with the political parties would be convened this month.

“We are meeting with political parties constantly,” Dr. Surujbally said when asked about the next scheduled meeting.

He maintains that it is the Commission’s policy to remain in contact with the political parties, as they are the major stakeholders in GECOM’s work.

In a prior interview, Dr Surujbally had disclosed that the issues on the agenda for meetings with the political parties could range from the tabulation exercise part of an election process, to introduction of an automated ballot system, to addressing lacunas in the legal framework, unto finalisation of demarcation of boundaries for local government elections.

Of the three political parties, the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has been most vocal in raising concerns about the work of GECOM.

The Guyana Chronicle also spoke with the GECOM Chief Elections Officer, Mr Keith Lowenfield, who stressed that GECOM would continue to communicate with all three political parties to address concerns and suggestions on different issues.

“Our engagement is continuous with all parties,” Lowenfield said.

(Vanessa Narine)