WHEN the commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) met on Tuesday last, they addressed the interviewing process for appointment of a Chief Elections Officer (CEO); but, according to GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Vishnu Persaud, the interviewing process is yet to commence, although the meeting addressed the way forward.The post of CEO at GECOM has been vacant for now some six months, and filling that position is integral to holding the highly anticipated local government elections.

GECOM invited applications for the post since last August, giving applicants until the end of September 2013 to signal their interest in occupying the post, which became vacant after GECOM declined to renew the contract of Mr Gocool Boodoo, following concerns raised by the Opposition over a computing mistake that was made in the allocation of seats in the 2011 elections.

The mistake has been rectified, but Boodoo late submission of notice of his intent to seek renewal of his contract affected his prospects of being reappointed to the position.

The GECOM Public Relations Officer has noted that the process of shortlisting has already been completed from the “substantial number of applications” received. The Guyana Chronicle understands that applicants for the post of GECOM CEO include acting Chief Elections Officer, Calvin Benn and Acting Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield. The two men are reportedly among the top considerations for the post.

The Chief Election Officer is required to play the key leadership role in the Secretariat of the Guyana Elections Commission. The incumbent has responsibility for implementing all aspects of the GECOM operations, and ensuring that results achieved are consistent with the Laws of Guyana and the policies determined by the Chairman and Commissioners.

The Chief Election Officer is required to act as the GECOM primary point of contact with the secretariat’s staff members, whose activities include the registration of registrants; the distribution of ID Cards, provision of information and guidance on electoral operational matters to community organisations and other stakeholders.

The CEO is also required to represent the GECOM’s policies and activities in interactions with stakeholders and other interest groups, including political parties, non-governmental organisations, donor and international agencies, in matters relating directly to the operations of GECOM.
Written By Vanessa Narine