On Friday, the 12th day of July 2019, Gail Teixeira, acting on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, wrote to Harmon conveying the availability of the Opposition Leader “…to meet with the President at any time and throughout the weekend of July 13-14 as required, to work on a list of names for consideration for appointment to the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission in accordance with the constitution.”
However, in his response, on the 13th day of July 2019, Harmon stated that Granger “…wishes to suggest for the consideration of the Leader of the Opposition a shortlist of two names extracted from the list of eight earlier submitted: Kesaundra Alves and Claudette La Bennett”
As a result, Teixeira in a response on the same day stated that she have “…noted that there has been no indication that a meeting will be convened “to work on a list of names for consideration for appointment to the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission in accordance with the Constitution,” and, in keeping with the Caribbean Court of Justice declarations of July 12, 2019 which specifically refer to Para 26-29 of their June 18th ruling.”
Further, Teixeira stated “we, hereby, acknowledging receipt of the submission of two names suggested by the President from the list of eight, earlier submitted by him, for the consideration of the Leader of the Opposition. We assume that these names are deemed “not unacceptable” to the President.”
Nevertheless, the Leader of the Opposition sought clarification from Harmon whether the five names “shortlisted” during the three meetings between the representatives of the President and himself. “Are these six names deemed “not acceptable” or are they considered “unacceptable” to the President? This is an issue that has been unanswered since Tuesday July 9th, 2019.”
Further, clarifications were sought as to whether there will be a meeting between the President and the Opposition Leader of communication via letter would be the new method. Teixeira stated, “Does this, therefore, mean that the informal engagement has come to an end and the formal process begun?”
Notably, Teixeira urged that if the formal process has begun, it would prudent for the President to write to the Leader of the Opposition informing him of the vacancy for a Chairman of GECOM and invite him to submit a list of six names, in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana.
There has been no reply from Harmon up to press time.