Georgetown, Guyana – (March 7, 2019) President David Granger will, tomorrow, meet the Chairman and Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) at a consultation to be held at 11:00 hours at the Ministry of the Presidency.
In a letter addressed to GECOM’s Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson, Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, writing on behalf of the President invited Justice Patterson and the Commissioners to a meeting on the readiness of GECOM for the conduct of General and Regional Elections.
“I write on behalf of His Excellency the President on the issue of the readiness of GECOM for the conduct of General and Regional Elections,” the missive said, while reminding that President Granger in his February 25, 2019 letter to Justice Patterson inter alia invited him (Justice Patterson) to consultations on GECOM’s readiness for the conduct of General and Regional Elections in 2019.
“His Excellency now wishes to invite you and the Commissioners to the aforementioned consultation on Friday 8th March, 2019 at 11:00 hours at the Ministry of the Presidency Vlissengen Road, Georgetown. I trust that in the National Interest you give this matter the urgent attention it deserves,” the Minister of State said.
Yesterday, following a meeting with Opposition Leader, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, President Granger made it clear that GECOM is an autonomous, independent agency while reminding that the Constitution of Guyana does not empower the President, Executive or any one to interfere, intervene or intrude in the work of the Commission.
“Of course, based on what will take place in the courts, the National Assembly, we are moving towards elections, but GECOM is in charge of elections not the Executive. I cannot decide when elections will be held; GECOM has to advise,” the Head of State said.
Describing the engagement between the Government and the Opposition as “very useful and very fruitful,” President Granger said efforts are being made by both sides to resolve issues relative to the holding of General and Regional Elections.
“As you know there are four processes taking place; one is the importance of the National Assembly; second is the Judicial process; third is the Executive process and fourth is GECOM,” the President added.
The Opposition Leader has agreed to meet President Granger following a meeting with GECOM and as such, the Head of State has assured that “we are working to ensure that credible elections are held in as short a time as possible”.
“There is no crisis. There are issues which have to be resolved and most of those issues will depend on what I hear from GECOM when I consult them,” President Granger stated.
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