Granger’s ‘pontifications’ termed ‘amusing’ by GECOM Chairman
CHAIRMAN of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr. Steve Surujbally contends that “nothing transpires” within the Commission that political parties are unaware of.As such, he stated that the recent “pontifications” of Brigadier (rtd) David Granger are “amusing” to say the least.
Granger, Leader of the main Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), last Tuesday, said, “The important thing is that inside the system, from GECOM (Guyana Elections Commission), we want to see an elimination of the skullduggery; moving polling stations the night before elections; and the tampering with lists; miscounting and prompt publication of statement of polls.”
Dr. Steve Surujbally, GECOM Chairman
His sentiments followed President Donald Ramotar’s announcement of May 11 as Elections Day and Granger also called for GECOM to ensure that the election process is clean.
“This is what we do. This is why we exist (to ensure a free, fair and transparent election process),” Dr. Surujbally said.
According to him, all political parties are fully cognizant of the happenings of GECOM, given that they have nominated representatives serving as Commissioners.
The GECOM Chair said, “They know. They are fully aware that we are on the ball in all those areas (issues commented on). They have their nominated persons on the Commission.
“It is very amusing for someone to pontificate that we need to do ‘X, Y and Y’ when they know fully well what we are doing. Our experience is that nothing transpires in the Commission that the political parties do not know.”
Dr. Surujbally assured that the necessary undertakings to facilitate free, fair and transparent elections are included in the Commission’s Action Plan.
“All of these things are things we know we have to do, they are included in our Action Plan. We know what we are about. We know what we have to do. This is nothing new,” he said.
The GECOM Chairman added that Mr. Granger’s concerns, as well as those of any other political party, ought to be communicated in writing to the Commission. --- (Vanessa Narine)