Observer group allows scrutiny to ensure free and fair elections process … Chairman Marshall
- says Commonwealth Observer Group is not pressured by the government
- calls on stakeholders to take a responsible, constructive approach to elections
Written by Vanessa Narine
Thursday, 24 November 2011 04:01
Source - Guyana Chronicle
Chairman of the Commonwealth Observer Group, Dennis Marshall and group member Ms. Shennia Spillane
INVITING a Commonwealth group as an international observer to Monday’s general and regional elections puts Guyana under the spotlight for ensuring that the upcoming polls are free and fair, according to Chairman of the Commonwealth Observer Group, Dennis Marshall.
Marshall, at a press briefing yesterday at Cara Lodge, noted that the group is in no way pressured by the Government of Guyana to make particular comments or recommendations; rather the group is operating as an independent, impartial and objective body.
He also called for all stakeholders to take a responsible and constructive approach to the conduct on the elections process.
The Former Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Secretary-General is leading a 13-member commonwealth observer group, which arrived here on Tuesday to observe the general and regional elections.
The group’s mandate is to observe and consider all aspects of the electoral process, with a view to assessing compliance with the standards for democratic elections, to which Guyana is committed. Where appropriate, the team may also make recommendations for the future strengthening of the electoral framework. The group is expected to conduct itself according to the standards expressed in the international declaration of principles for election observation, to which the Commonwealth is a signatory.
Marshall made it clear that the Commonwealth has been an observer to the elections process here since 1992 – a clear record of the body’s commitment to the Guyanese people.
According to him, since coming here this week, the group has only met with the Guyana Elections Commission, but other meetings are planned with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the contesting political parties and other stakeholder groups.
COVERED
He acknowledged that these stakeholder groups include other observer groups, and the group is looking to cover as many regions as possible.
“The logistics are being worked out,” the chairman said, “We are working with similar groups to ensure that everywhere is covered.
Marshall maintained that information obtained by the Commonwealth Observer Group will be shared with other observers.
He said the conduct of the past elections will have to be compared against the upcoming polls in order to make a proper assessment of the shortcomings and improvements.
According to him, the elections of 2006 were notable for its peaceful conduct, as well as the fact that it strengthened the elections process.
At the end of the electoral process, the group’s report will be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, who will convey it to the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), political parties, and, in due course, to all Commonwealth governments.
Marshall explained that upon completion of the group’s report, it is up to the government to take on board recommendations made.
He stressed that the Commonwealth Observer Group’s mandate is not to impose, but merely to recommend.
“Our invitation speaks for itself,” he said, “It indicates a will to listen.”
Marshall, when asked about the impact of equity in access to state media, noted that access to information is important for the electorate, pointing out that in an “information age” people are empowered and their thinking influenced by the information they have.
- says Commonwealth Observer Group is not pressured by the government
- calls on stakeholders to take a responsible, constructive approach to elections
Written by Vanessa Narine
Thursday, 24 November 2011 04:01
Source - Guyana Chronicle
Chairman of the Commonwealth Observer Group, Dennis Marshall and group member Ms. Shennia SpillaneINVITING a Commonwealth group as an international observer to Monday’s general and regional elections puts Guyana under the spotlight for ensuring that the upcoming polls are free and fair, according to Chairman of the Commonwealth Observer Group, Dennis Marshall.
Marshall, at a press briefing yesterday at Cara Lodge, noted that the group is in no way pressured by the Government of Guyana to make particular comments or recommendations; rather the group is operating as an independent, impartial and objective body.
He also called for all stakeholders to take a responsible and constructive approach to the conduct on the elections process.
The Former Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Secretary-General is leading a 13-member commonwealth observer group, which arrived here on Tuesday to observe the general and regional elections.
The group’s mandate is to observe and consider all aspects of the electoral process, with a view to assessing compliance with the standards for democratic elections, to which Guyana is committed. Where appropriate, the team may also make recommendations for the future strengthening of the electoral framework. The group is expected to conduct itself according to the standards expressed in the international declaration of principles for election observation, to which the Commonwealth is a signatory.
Marshall made it clear that the Commonwealth has been an observer to the elections process here since 1992 – a clear record of the body’s commitment to the Guyanese people.
According to him, since coming here this week, the group has only met with the Guyana Elections Commission, but other meetings are planned with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the contesting political parties and other stakeholder groups.
COVERED
He acknowledged that these stakeholder groups include other observer groups, and the group is looking to cover as many regions as possible.
“The logistics are being worked out,” the chairman said, “We are working with similar groups to ensure that everywhere is covered.
Marshall maintained that information obtained by the Commonwealth Observer Group will be shared with other observers.
He said the conduct of the past elections will have to be compared against the upcoming polls in order to make a proper assessment of the shortcomings and improvements.
According to him, the elections of 2006 were notable for its peaceful conduct, as well as the fact that it strengthened the elections process.
At the end of the electoral process, the group’s report will be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, who will convey it to the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), political parties, and, in due course, to all Commonwealth governments.
Marshall explained that upon completion of the group’s report, it is up to the government to take on board recommendations made.
He stressed that the Commonwealth Observer Group’s mandate is not to impose, but merely to recommend.
“Our invitation speaks for itself,” he said, “It indicates a will to listen.”
Marshall, when asked about the impact of equity in access to state media, noted that access to information is important for the electorate, pointing out that in an “information age” people are empowered and their thinking influenced by the information they have.