Dear Editor,
THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has publicised vacant positions after the firing and conundrum regarding fraudulent electoral activities and charges involving key, employed officials in its secretariat. The necessary employment of new staff members to replace the wicked and highly questionable characters must be undertaken in a manner that reflects transparency and realises the most efficient results. Certainly, we cannot re-create the wheel by allowing impropriety, and the absolute due-diligence approach must be exercised.

The commission’s decision to undertake measures of cross-matching is appreciated. That is, to look at the applications against the required qualifications and experience, while considering the trust and integrity of the applicants. Such measures notwithstanding, there are concerns regarding the shortlisting of some persons whose records in previous elections leave much to be desired.

Some of the positions published in the preliminary shortlist of applicants, however, are quite alarming revelations. Such is the inclusion of Melanie Marshall for the position of Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO). In the 2015 General and Regional Elections, while performing the function of Returning Officer (RO), she went missing after commencement of the verification process related to the Region Four ballots. This controversial RO deliberately made herself unavailable to receive the PPP’s requests for a recount of votes in particular areas where inconsistencies were observed.

Marshall’s unpopularity surged when she was challenged while using the controversial ‘broad sheet.’ It is factual that when confronted, she took a time out and never returned to complete the process. The cover-ups of these inefficacies came from the dismissed CEO, Keith Lowenfield, who had oftentimes usurped the commission’s authority, and who independently appointed her as Voter Registration Manager.

Subsequently, it is recalled that Keith Lowenfield had also moved to appoint Melanie Marshall as Returning Officer (RO) of Region Four. Faced with strong and valid criticisms, she was eventually removed as RO and sent to work in Region Six. This applicant has a history of highly questionable work attitude at GECOM and she should not be short-listed.

As for the position of Assistant Chief Election Officer, Melanie Marshall’s name is again appearing along with the likes of characters including Noland Jervis and Duarte Hetsberger, who also have been short-listed for interviews. Both of these characters worked at GECOM and there were serious allegations against them. Hence, Jervis chose to leave employment at GECOM to avoid scrutiny while Hetsberger was fired. They are now slithering in from the backdrop as major investigations seem to have dissipated. However, it is known that lots of documents and data have disappeared from GECOM and any consideration of these questionable applicants, therefore, should be viewed with the keenest scrutiny, if at all.

Editor, a full investigation must be done concerning the clean sweep of the data from several GECOM computers, and a thorough investigation conducted of all the internal malfeasance that took place in preparation for the 2020 National and Regional Elections. Given the absence of an elections report from the CEO, the commission and new CEO should carefully review the activities that took place over the five months after the elections, including the massive spending and illegal activities that went on during the five months after March 02, 2020.

It is essential for GECOM to swiftly ensure that it has on board a cadre of transparently selected professionals to advance its mandate. The advertising process for filling vacancies created by the recent firings of the Chief Election Officer (CEO) and others facing fraudulent electoral charges, commenced in October 2021. Publications of those shortlisted for final interviews and potential selection present the opportunity for exposure if there are known issues. Notably, some rogue elements have been able to get past the initial screening process.

GECOM facilitation of the next LGEs is way overdue, and this is not for want of the PPP/C’s urging and support. The government ensured that sufficient funding was placed in the 2021 budget for the holding of these elections. The elections were not held as a consequence of GECOM’s inability to hold the same. Now, all systems must be put in place to fill all existing vacancies, but this must be defined by the presence of appropriate counterchecks and balances.

The way forward for GECOM must be to win the trust and confidence of the nation by holding free and fair elections. This can only be achieved with a process to select the staff from unstained men and women of integrity. The organisation must therefore not buy batteries and torches to avoid footholds that can be avoided upfront.

Yours sincerely,
Neil Kumar