Dear Editor,
THE salaries and emoluments of Election Day staffers continue to be a source of concern to contracted employees who have to work on Elections Day.Duties and responsibilities of election officials are arduous, and require university qualifications and managerial acumen for optimum human performance, with process improvement methodologies along with theoretical perspectives of effective applications.

In order to dispense with such duties in a fair and democratic manner, a holistic and substantial compliance for the public good is a criterion. High levels of leadership, experience, core eligibility and personal responsibility; along with effective decision-making and judgements, are key components to avoid legal challenges.

The political parties, civil society, NGOs, the diplomatic community and the ‘ABC’ stakeholders should impress on the GECOM Chairman and CEO, as well as the Election Commissioners, the importance of a proper ratings scale and good standards of remuneration for a democratic outcome. Poor emoluments result in poor and ineffective task performance. Salaries must reflect qualifications.

The President should step in to ensure meritocracy and stop inimical behaviours that are operating under the guise of rationality. The head of the Political Affairs Division in the Ministry of the Presidency earns $1M; climate change negotiators earn $1M and a gratuity of $2.7M [pay]; Election Day presiding officers earn $60,000 for long hours at work.

Regards

RANDOLPH AUGUSTUS