Commonwealth warns GECOM to comply with elections law in recount

…delayed election results more alarming in face of COVID-19

The Commonwealth Observer Group accredited for the March 2, General and Regional Elections in Guyana says it notes a decision by Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) indicating that the Commission has decided to conduct a national recount of all ballots cast, and said it is expected that GECOM would ensure that a general final count is undertaken and concluded in strict accordance with the relevant provisions of Guyana’s Representation of the People’s Act (RoPA).

The Commonwealth Group of Observers was headed by Former Barbadian Prime Minister Owen Arthur.
Citing a failure of GECOM to stop blatant disregard of rule of law in the tabulation process of the Region Four votes, the Electoral Observer Mission had withdrawn from the country as part of the process.

At that time, the delegation had reported persistent electoral

malpractice following the March 2 polling day.
Noting the development to have the recount, the group on Thursday reminded that GECOM must ensure that this is done in a credible, transparent and timely manner, bearing in mind that the people of Guyana have now waited an unconscionable 45 days to bring this electoral process to finality.
“This delay in credibly concluding the electoral process is now even more alarming, as the entire world seeks to contend with the disruptive and devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) on economic, social and political life,” the Commonwealth Mission said in a statement.
It contends that RoPA is unambiguous and specific on the technical modalities by which a general final count is bound, and “we strongly urge the leadership of GECOM not to depart from these legal stipulations”.
“The Commonwealth Observer Group commends the people of Guyana for peacefully exercising their right to vote for the Government of their choice on 2 March.
“This is a sacred constitutional and universal human right. The rights of the Guyanese people will be respected when a general final count is credibly administered in accordance with the law, and given full effect”, the Group said.
In its preliminary report on March 4, the Observer Mission flagged GECOM over, among other things, its finalisation of Polling Stations and the signing of the Code of Conduct by political parties mere days before Election Day.
The Group had also highlighted the “urgent need” for constitutional and electoral reforms, specifically comprehensive reforms in the voter registration system, including legislative reform.
The Commonwealth Mission’s withdrawal had come on the heels of the Organisation of American States (OAS) pulling its Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) the previous week, saying that it had no other option than to withdraw from Guyana, since the ascertainment methodology that was used did not meet the required standard of fairness and transparency.
GECOM Chairwoman, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, has expressed the view that the recount could be completed in a timely manner.