THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has condemned the recent appointment of Richard Francois as Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), given his political background and allegiance.

Party General Secretary Clement Rohee said while the rights and freedom of employment are respected, given what is known of Francois, the professional and unbiased discharge of his duties could be compromised.

‘Available information indicates that he is openly supportive and sympathetic to the Opposition’ – Rohee

“Available information indicates that he is openly supportive and sympathetic to the Opposition,” Rohee said at the party’s weekly Freedom House press briefing Tuesday.

PROFESSIONALISM
“The PPP believes that his appointment runs counter to GECOM’s claims of appointing professionals to fill important positions. We would like to reiterate that such positions must not be staffed with political persons. Our party therefore calls on GECOM to explain this appointment in the interest of ensuring fairness and professionalism from this senior officer.”

Rohee explained that this concern of the party is premised on incidents in the past which resulted in the lack of professionalism and fairness displayed during the 2011 general elections when PPP candidates were prevented from executing their constitutional duties at some polling stations. One such case, he pointed out, was the prevention of Dr. Ashni Singh from entering a polling station while candidates from other parties were allowed.

“The role of candidates assigned to receive updates from polling agents is enshrined and must be guarded and respected. It is in this context that our party continues to have these concerns regarding Mr. Francois’s ability to discharge his duties professionally and the political influence he could exert in the interest of the Party he is aligned to.

“Our party recalls the comments made by the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Mr. Keith Lowenfield, when he articulated that GECOM would only hire professionals and not persons known to be affiliated to political Parties.

“The PPP therefore urges GECOM to relook at this appointment in an effort to ensure that its own integrity is not compromised as a result. We believe that a profound sense of confidence must prevail with regards to those entrusted with the discharge of duties at GECOM for free and transparent elections,” Rohee declared.

(By Telesha Ramnarine)