The newly-appointed Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (retired) Claudette Singh, is in a tight spot; but, at some point, she will have to make tough decisions, says Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.
The politician, during a press conference at his Church Street, Georgetown office earlier today, said that the opposition has put a plug on its protest action outside of GECOM just to give Justice Singh a chance to familiarise herself with the state of affairs at GECOM.
“What you have in there is a commission that has to overcome a legacy of the illegalities and the sloth of the past…And even now, being trapped by that activity and the misinformation,” Jagdeo said.
The former Head of State said that it must be difficult for Justice Singh, especially with the actions being sought by government and opposition-aligned commissioners vary.
“I am trying to picture the job of the chairperson. So, I have three commissioners who come to a meeting all the time seeking to delay and push the timeline. Then my technical advisors, who should be the secretariat, keep putting before me proposals that push elections into next year. Must be very difficult for her to find accommodation because maybe she does not want to dismiss their concerns just like that” he said.
Jagdeo noted that despite the haggling at GECOM, the Chairperson still has a role to play. His conclusion is based on a recent commitment she made to the Private Sector about the holding of elections within the shortest possible time.
“I saw the statement that came out after the meeting with the private sector…She has a role. She will try to hold elections in the shortest while possible and the constitution is important.” he said.
Jagdeo expressed hope that tough decisions will be made eventually.
“At some point in time, she will have to make tough decisions. At some point in time, we are going to respect the constitution and stop the prevaricating by the commissioners on the other side to delay things.” Jagdeo posited.
The politician said also, that there will come a time when the Chairwoman will have to say to the secretariat: “We are getting this done by this date. You better go and work now to ensure that the timelines fit in, you get it done.”
Jagdeo believes that elections can be held soon, but it involves the making of these tough decisions.
“If they put their minds to it, they can get things done quickly without compromising quality. If she relies only on the three [government] commissioners and the secretariat, which I believe is part of the plot, then we will never have something that is meaningful and respects the constitution,”
