THE ruling People’s Progressive Party at a press conference today was critical of the opposition over its attempts to manipulate the staffing of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
Minister of Local Government and senior PPP functionary, Ganga Persaud today said that GECOM is allowing political manipulations and political sun dancing to determine the extension of the contract of the Chief Election Officer, Goocool Boodoo.
“I have read public disclosure by a political party saying they’re not supporting the extension of the contract. I don’t know how much such a position will benefit the credibility of such a position and enhance public confidence, Guyanese confidence in the electoral system and the work of the Guyana Elections Commission if political parties can dictate who they want to be here and who they don’t want to be there,” Persaud said.
Persaud explained that GECOM is an entity which should function independently, and that the PPP government will be happy with any decision it takes in relation to staffing the organization.
“It is disturbing for the government that political parties are seeking to determine what should be done and who should be employed. It is for that reason that the PPP is seriously against political parties seeking to determine and dictate who should be employed and who should be appointed.”
Persaud is of the view that if this bears fruition then the PPP should have a say in the staff selection process as well.
Last Thursday, the AFC called for the removal Boodoo and joined the PNC's APNU in opposing Boodhoo's retention. We had earlier also reported that GECOM Chairman Steve Surujbally made a deal with the two opposition parties which would result in his vote in favour of undercover APNU operative Calvin Benn being appointed C.E.O.