GECOM is dead with respect to functional transparency

Dear Editor,
Citizens continue to witness the almost daily flagrant abuse of obligations by the leaders of the coalition, towards the implementation of key constitutional commissions. Only recently, David Granger’s violations took to a higher level as he publicly and shamelessly coaxed the North American Chapter of the PNCR to adopt approaches of the past to keep the party in power.
The President should be wary that there are many among us who experienced the stifling 70s and 80s administered over by the PNC’s ruthless dictatorship policies. Let it be known, therefore, that everything will be done to prevent such a curse on our beloved country and fellow citizens from ever occurring again, by undemocratic approaches!
Notwithstanding, however, citizens must recognise that even as this APNU/AFC Coalition attempts to stretch the tolerance levels of the majority beyond the maximum limit, it is necessary to point out that the need to allow the civil and judicial processes to be exercised must also be allowed in addressing these signals. They will be challenged and exposed without fear and with unquestionable boldness, because our country is deserving of the freedoms earned.
As it relates to election matters, there is general awareness that the 2016 Local Government Elections are still largely un-finished; that serious problems in several Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and municipalities exist, which would significantly impact any upcoming elections. Important also is the big problem with the register of registrants which has to be resolved, as thousands of Guyanese are not registered at the place where they are living. Further, it is crystal clear that a new House-to-House registration is way overdue. Hence, it is imperative that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) go into full operational mode, immediately.
As it is, GECOM is dead with respect to functional transparency and nothing is happening in respect to election preparedness and readiness. But citizens have to be viper patient as these matters have to be addressed in due time even if delayed. It must be made clear to this Granger-led coalition that the Burnham era election approaches are also dead and gone. Rigging of elections will not be condoned and all the ‘unfit and improper staff’ at GECOM will have to be removed and a proper sanitisation done to reflect a balance.
It is unacceptable that despite confirmation of serious misappropriations, corruption and blatant pilfering at the GECOM Secretariat reported by the Auditor General, the same persons will be approved to oversee the systems of voting. Rationally, the cleansing should have commenced before the millions of dollars were approved by Parliament for the same corrupt persons to steal.
The use of the term ‘bitter and contaminated’ in describing the level of accountability and transparency at GECOM is mild and indeed an understatement. Even after the significant procurement breaches reported by the Audit Office; the Minister of Finance recently reported that GECOM did not submit a procurement plan which was a requirement according to the 2018 budget circular. It is the same questionable characters overseeing the process and who will be involved in monitoring election matters.

Sincerely,
Neil Kumar