A CHEQUE for $7.9M was handed over yesterday to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) by Canadian High Commissioner, Ms Nicole Giles, as part an agreement to support the effective and efficient management of the May 11 General and Regional Elections. Giles and GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, signed the contribution agreement to facilitate the acquisition of laptops yesterday at the Commission’s High Street office.

The Canadian High Commissioner underscored the link between free, fair and peaceful elections, through proper management, and the progressive development of a country.
She said, “Free, fair and peaceful elections play a critical role in every democracy. It is through elections that citizens choose their government and have their voices heard.
“…the work undertaken by independent election commissions is crucial. Electoral management bodies must strive to deliver elections which are: transparent and credible, free and fair, and produce timely results.”

FULL CONFIDENCE
According to her, effective and efficient management of elections is an uneasy task; however, Giles stressed that Canada has full confidence in GECOM.
“Canada has a high level of confidence in GECOM’s ability to deliver credible elections. Canada is pleased to provide support through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) to support GECOM in delivering free and fair elections in 2015,” she said.
CFLI supports and implements projects across the world in partnership with local, national and international organisations, educational institutions and local governments.
“The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives is one of the instruments that demonstrates Canada commitment to the Americas and Guyana in a tangible way…it enables Canada to respond to and address the needs of our global partners, while advancing Canadian values and foreign policy priorities,” Giles said.
She pointed out that supporting democratic transition, expanded democratic participation and strengthening the capacity of institutions is one such priority for Canada.
“Through this project, CFLI is helping to strengthen elections management and to support the Guyana Elections Commission in delivering free and fair elections that are in accordance with Guyanese laws and international standards. This project will help GECOM to be even more transparent and responsive to the needs of the electorate,” Giles said.
The Canadian representative acknowledged that Guyana has made significant strides in elections management, as noted in the 2011 elections reports.

IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Giles also called on GECOM to consider implementing the recommendations of the Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Mission and the Commonwealth Secretariat, which came out of the 2011 elections’ observers report.
“Canada hopes that Guyana considers these recommendations,” she said.
Among the recommendations was the need for: improving mechanisms that guarantee more equitable access to media and political financing; adherence to timely and standardized procedures for the electoral process, improving communications with all stakeholders in particular GECOM; and strengthening the promotion of gender balanced participation throughout the electoral process.
“We hope that the provision of laptops to GECOM will help with implementation of these recommendations,” Giles said.
ASSURANCE
Meanwhile, the GECOM Chair assured that the Commission remains committed to ensuring a free and fair election process.
“Trust GECOM. Work with GECOM. We are the purveyors of truth. We have nothing to gain from untruths. If you have doubts, ask us,” he said.
The move to early elections resulted from the fact that the objectives of prorogation – in face of a no-confidence motion against the Government and the consequent dissolution of Parliament – failed in the opinion of the current Administration. As a result, President Donald Ramotar, early last December, indicated that Guyana will head to early general and regional elections, just over three years since the November 2011 polls.
All considered, Dr Surujbally noted too that the support from Canada is a timely one that is welcomed by the Commission.
Also present for the signing were Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, and Deputy CEO, Vishnu Persaud, among other GECOM officials. (Vanessa Narine)