THE People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) said that given the increase in the number of first-time voters since previous elections, GECOM must ensure that some degree of targeted public relations on voting is done. PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee said voters’ knowledge of E-Day procedures could only serve to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of the voting process.
“It can further assist in significantly reducing the large amount of rejected ballots accounted for in the 2011 elections, whether these were intentional or mistaken acts,” he said.

The General Secretary also said the PPP is concerned over the large number of Identification Cards yet to be uplifted from GECOM’s centres. Some 40,000 cards are still with GECOM.
“Will the cat-and-mouse game continue or is it that GECOM has a plan or is working on a plan to get these cards out? Long gone is the sit and wait approach, a more proactive position must be taken to distribute cards and at the same time re-verify these individuals,” he said.
Rohee, who is also the Minister of Home Affair, said the party is aware that a voter can cast his/her ballot without identification once they are on the Original List of Electors (OLE) and take an Identity Oath, but also appreciate the fact that persons should have their National Identification Cards once available.
“The PPP calls on GECOM to expedite this process in a timely manner, since it will serve to further test the integrity of the OLE,” Rohee said.
But he noted that while the PPP appreciates the fact that more efforts are needed to increase voters’ turnout, concerns remain over the legitimacy and integrity of those with “fly by night” interest in voters.
He was referring to the Guyana National Youth Council, which the party said does not represent the majority of youth and is funded by a mischievous U.S. organisation.
The party, he said welcomes all accredited and inclusive organisations with a “Put Guyana First” approach to come on board and assist in whatever way possible in making the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections free and fair and free from fear.
The PPP also reiterated its call for public vetting of polling day staff.
“Time and again the party has been strong, yet alone in its calls for public scrutiny of those entrusted to uphold the integrity of our electoral process on polling day.
The important role these individuals play in ensuring a free, transparent and fair process can never be over-emphasised. Experience has taught us that proper recruitment and training of bipartisan polling day staff is a critical element in any electoral system and can be what we term as the “make or break” of a system,” he noted.
Rohee said it is difficult to see the rationale behind GECOM’s continued resistance in allowing all major political stakeholders and the Guyanese people to play a role in this process.
“This should never be kept a secret or surprise to the nation,” he said.