After learning from Guyana Standard that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that President David Granger’s unilateral appointment of Justice (Retired) James Patterson as the head of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was unconstitutional, GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander said it is expected that Patterson will step down.
Alexander said he would have to consider the ruling in its entirety before giving a detailed response.
But in providing his initial thoughts, Alexander said that Patterson would not be able to make any decision going forward. He believes that GECOM is essentially without a chair until such is rectified by the President in consultation with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.
Alexander said, “GECOM will continue to do what it has to until such time that the President declares an elections date. So, for all intents and purposes, there has been no instructions for GECOM. We cannot do anything without a chair and nothing about elections specifically unless the President announces a date. GECOM is in limbo.”
The official said that GECOM will continue the process of house-to-house registration.