WITH President Donald Ramotar declaring May 11, 2015 as the day general and regional elections will be held, Opposition Leader, Brigadier (Ret’d) David Granger has reiterated that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has a responsibility to ensure that the electoral process is one which is ‘clean’. In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle Tuesday evening at his residence, Granger sought to underscore the integral role the elections regulatory body plays in the electoral process, taking into consideration their position as a major stakeholder.

Relating to the media that concerns of the party were previously expressed to GECOM, the Opposition Leader further disclosed that his party will remain committed to reengaging GECOM in their efforts to promote a free and fair election.

HOSTILE PROPAGANDA
He also explained that one of the major concerns raised by his party was the peddling of ‘hostile propaganda’ which will injure the political process. As such, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) made a call to GECOM to use their influence to ensure transparency throughout the process.
According to the Opposition Leader, “On the morning after elections, Guyanese must be able to go back to work satisfied with their votes properly counted. And that they will have a government of their choice.”
As it relates to observers for the electoral process, traditional observers from the Commonwealth, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the Organisation of American States (OAS) are expected to play an integral role in the process, Granger noted. “Those three I’m sure will be present here,” he said, adding that his party has not made any special demands for more observers.
“The important thing is that inside the system, from GECOM, we want to see an elimination of the skullduggery; moving polling stations the night before elections; and the tampering with lists; miscounting and prompt publication of statement of polls,” Granger stressed.
To this extent, he opined that while many polling stations would not even have 400 votes it is expected that by 8-9pm on the day of elections, statement of polls would have been distributed. “We are confident that by midnight we should have the results, it shouldn’t take four or five days,” the Opposition Leader opined.