LGE 2023: GECOM invites applications for local observers

In preparation for holding the upcoming Local Government Elections (LEG) in June, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is calling on domestic organisations/groups interested in mounting observer missions to monitor the elections to submit their applications.
This is in accordance with the provision of Section 145 B of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Chapter 28:03, and in order to enhance transparency, credibility and impartiality in the conduct of the local government polls, which will be held in Guyana on June 12, 2023.
Those who are desirous of observing the elections will have to apply to GECOM for accreditation. All local observer groups are required to fulfil a set of minimum standards, including: Familiarity and experience with electoral laws and procedures; Previous experience of election monitoring and/or other relevant experience or know-how and specific training, national and/or international; Interpersonal skills (e.g. capacity of balanced judgement, ability to work in teams, ability to cope with difficult situations, respect for diverse attitudes, good communication skills, readiness to work in a multi-cultural environment); Ability to maintain professional independence and strict impartiality in the conduct of duties; and Demonstrated commitment to democracy and human rights.
Applications submitted must contain: Name, address and contact details of the eligible organisation or group; Name of the head of the eligible organisation or group, and evidence of similar past experiences; The type of activity covered by the organisation or group, and evidence of similar past experiences; Name and contact details for proposed observers; Official/ registration documents etc, and the proposed Local Authority Area(s) to observe.
The Observer Application Form is available on GECOM’s website (www.gecom.org.gy). Applications must be submitted to the Chief Election Officer no later than Friday, May 12, 2023.
“All decisions taken by the Guyana Elections Commission pertaining to approval/denial of applications for accreditation as local observers shall be final,” a missive from the electoral body on Wednesday stated.
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) had disclosed last month that it has already written to the Elections Commission requesting Local Observer Accreditation status for the upcoming local government polls.
After several delays, the long-overdue LGE was set for March 13 this year, but GECOM subsequently deferred the Nominations Day in December 2022 to address issues relating to its registration exercise. This postponement was after court action was filed by Opposition-aligned persons challenging the process used to compile the List of Electors, or Voters’ List, for the impending LGE.
In February, Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, set Monday June 12, 2023 as the date for the holding of the much-anticipated and long overdue LGE in Guyana.
GECOM subsequently appointed April 17 as Nominations Day.
The Elections Commission had already extended the process to provide a further opportunity for political parties, groups or individuals wanting to contest the upcoming LGE to submit their applications for approval of their symbols by March 1, 2023.
Section 48(1) of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Chapter 28:03, provides that all political parties, voluntary groups, and individuals who are desirous of contesting Local Government Elections are required to submit a symbol for approval by the Guyana Elections Commission no later than the 21st day before Nomination Day.
Meanwhile, GECOM has already been in preparation mode over the past few months as it gears up for the long overdue elections. The Commission had previously indicated that its approved work plan entails, among other things, that the Elections Secretariat would immediately move to roll out a robust civic and voter education programme, appoint Electoral Registrars and Assistant Electoral Registrars, and extract the Preliminary List of Voters (PLV). These activities, it noted, are directly linked to the preparation of Registers of Voters for each of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs).
In this regard, the GECOM Secretariat had already completed the training of management and polling day staff for all of the Local Authority Areas, and the receipt of applications for and approval of symbols submitted by political parties, voluntary groups, and individuals who intend to contest the elections.
LGE, which are constitutionally due every two years, was last held in 2018. At the November 2018 local government polls, the then PPP/C Opposition had secured 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs). This had followed the holding of the LGE in 2016, during which the PPP/C also claimed the majority of the LAAs. (G8)