Concern about GECOM Chair and fairness of next election

Dear Editor,

In travelling around Guyana last week for a NACTA poll and socialising at various public functions as well as in open markets, concerns were raised by voters about the lack of appointment of a chairperson for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and whether the next general election will be free and fair.

A large majority (63 per cent) of respondents are upset with President David Granger for not choosing someone for chair from the two lists of nominees provided by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. They said the President needs to urgently appoint someone from the lists provided by the Opposition Leader as mandated in the Jimmy Carter formula. Most respondents said they were certain the President would have chosen someone from the second list, as five of the six nominees meet the criteria established by the Head of State. Voters want the President to appoint someone who will not condone electoral fraud as committed between 1966 and 1992; the last time the People’s National Congress governed the nation.

Large majorities of respondents of the poll say they are fearful the election will not be above board, and that the appointment of a (neutral) chair is critical for holding a free and fair election. Almost every supporter of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the Alliance For Change feels the next election will be rigged and they want measures put in place to prevent rigging. Respondents say there should be observers at every polling station to prevent skulduggery, like stuffing of ballot boxes and the impersonation of voters.

It is generally felt that if the election is free and fair, and Bharrat Jagdeo is the PPP candidate, he will win the presidency and a parliamentary majority should he decide to run. Jagdeo is the most popular and likeable political figure in the country.

Yours truly,

Vishnu Bisram