THE Local Government Elections (LGE) process moved further on Thursday, when the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) set March 1, 2023, as the deadline for political parties, voluntary groups, and individuals contesting the LGE to submit their symbols.

This deadline is specifically for those groups and individuals who missed the December 2022 deadline.

According to a release from the commission’s secretariat: “The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has reopened the process to provide a further opportunity for the submission of applications for approval of symbols for Local Government Elections.

“Section 48(1) of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Chapter 28:03, provides that all political parties, voluntary groups, and individuals who are desirous of contesting Local Government Elections are required to submit a symbol for approval by the Guyana Elections Commission no later than the 21st Day before Nomination Day.”

In this regard, March 1, 2023, has been set as the date by which a printed and electronic version of the symbol must be submitted to the Commission.

“Submissions can be made directly to the Office of the Chairman at Lot 41 High and Cowan Streets, Kingston, Georgetown in sealed envelopes clearly marked— Application for Symbol – Local Government Elections – 2023.”

Alternatively, applications can be submitted via email at chairman@gecom.org.gy or, in the case of outlying Local Authority Areas (LAAs), to the GECOM Registration Offices.

“Political parties, voluntary groups, and individuals who have already applied for symbols for the upcoming Local Government Elections, and who would have received notification that their symbols were approved are not required to reapply.

“Political parties, voluntary groups, and individual candidates are required to submit, on Nomination Day, their respective lists of candidates accompanied by the relevant pre-approved symbol. In this regard, political parties, voluntary groups and individual candidates are advised that their lists would not be accepted without a pre-approved symbol,” GECOM said.