IN the light of reports of attacks, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has called on the Guyana Police Force to protect workers of the commission who are in the field conducting house-to-house registration.

The commission in a press statement said it has engaged the police force to provide surveillance in communities and to assist with security of the field staff.

Over the last few days, a number of enumerators were attacked and injured by dogs which were intentionally loosed by their owners. “They received dog bites which were instigated by residents who are allegedly not in agreement with the registration exercise,” said GECOM.

It was also reported that some persons are using threatening language, instilling fear and providing misinformation that the staff will not be paid for their service. The commission therefore urged citizens to immediately desist from such “unlawful and obscene” acts, as they will be arrested and prosecuted.Additionally, the commission reminded citizens that registration ia a legal requirement and they have a responsibility to ensure that they are registered.

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, who had urged supporters of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to not participate in the registration exercise, has called on persons not to target enumerators.

“They are doing a job and they are professionals… treat them politely, if you do not want to participate, you can say I’m not registering,” said Jagdeo during a press briefing at his Church Street office on Wednesday.

GECOM had said that the countrywide house-to-house exercise is in keeping with a decision of the commission on February 19, 2019 and in accordance with Order No. 25 of 2019, dated June 11, 2019.

“Registration is a legal requirement according to the National Registration Act, Chapter 19:08, therefore, all eligible persons are mandated to register,” GECOM said.

House-to-house registration is a new registration exercise and all eligible persons must register, even if they were previously registered, the elections management body stated. Upon conclusion of this exercise, a new National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB), which is reflective of the current Guyanese population, will be created. Subsequently, the Official List of Electors (OLE) will be extracted for the purpose of conducting General and Regional Elections.

Guyanese citizens by birth, descent, naturalisation or registration, 14 years and older by October 31, 2019, or a citizen of a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for a period of no less than one year, preceding the qualifying date, are all eligible for registration.

Residents are urged to have ready the relevant documents required for registration and to be on the lookout for GECOM’s registration officials in their areas.