Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo is of the firm conviction that despite what some naysayers are preaching, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has ample time between now and April 30 to hold credible elections.
Jagdeo made these and other statements following his meeting with President, David Granger at the Ministry of the Presidency this morning.
Speaking with members of the media outside the Ministry, Jagdeo said that he and the President could not get past the first item on the agenda, which was a date for elections. Jagdeo disclosed that the President said that he has to have a meeting with GECOM on its state of preparedness. He even invited Jagdeo to be part of that meeting. But the Opposition Leader said he refused the Head of State’s invite in this regard.
Jagdeo said he told the President that GECOM can accomplish all it needs for elections, with the help of the Government and the opposition.
Expounding further, Jagdeo said, “Elections can be had in 50 days. You need 32 days for nomination and the rest of the time to inform the party. Other things or activities could be done simultaneously for elections preparation. I also told the President we can waive the procurement procedures so we can get stuff for elections.”
The Opposition Leader continued, “The Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield had said that they need long periods for training. And they use teachers and the teachers only get weekends available for training. So why not give them a week off and get it done? We have 12,000 people who are already trained. So training, claims and objections, procurement of the materials, nomination day all can be done in 50 days. Then the parties can say, further to this, we can provide the money to enhance polling day security.”
The Opposition Leader added, “I mentioned that we can have safeguards if necessary to ensure credible elections. The State can pay for three polling agents from both parties to sit at the polling station and ensure only people who are eligible to vote are able to do so and you don’t have to worry about the quality of the list or padding.”
Jagdeo also said that he told the President he is not standing for house-to-house registration as this would delay elections for more than eight months.
Jagdeo added, “I told him at this point, we are not going to extend the life of the government unless there is a date…Time is ticking; the ball is in his court.”
