Leader of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo has conveyed his party’s intention to approach the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to request the random placement of Deputy Returning Officers (DROs) on polling day, March 2.
He is of the belief that such an arrangement will “help to break up any pattern where a party may want to – through the placing of known people at particular stations – tamper with the elections”. The party leader made this announcement at his Church Street, Georgetown, office moments ago.
“We heard that they’re (GECOM) going to hire several Deputy Ros (DROs) – like over a hundred – so, we have to ensure that the Deputy Ros, how they fit in with the statute governing elections – what would be their responsibilities and how they’re selected too. Because, they can easily undermine the process if you have partisan Deputy Ros who might be responsible for smaller areas within a region. So, we’re paying careful attention to recruitment and hiring process, and the placement of these Deputy Ros,” he said.
Jagdeo said that his party would have requested for the random placement of Presiding Officers (Pos), so it would “make sense” to randomly place Deputy Ros too.
According to a GECOM manual, which can be accessed by clicking on this link: https://www.gecom.org.gy/archived/pdf/Manual%20for%20Ret%20Officer%20and%20District%20Staff.pdf, the RO shall, amongst other things, be responsible to the Chief Election Officer for the proper conduct of the poll within his/her Polling District; maintain close liaison and coordination with the Chief Election Officer and the Elections Secretariat; administer the Oath of the Office to all staff members before they perform any function under the Act (Cap. 1:03); assist the Training Instructors with the training of Polling Day Officials.
Meanwhile, the DRO reports to the RO and is responsible for the operation of a group of Polling Stations or for a Sub-district. He/she is expected to, amongst other things, organize and supervise the arrangements for Polling Stations in his/her sub-district; visit Polling Stations in his/her sub-district on Election Day and give feedback to the Returning Officer, and advice and guidance to the Presiding Officer and other Polling Officials; receive results of the poll from Presiding Officers; transmit results of the poll to the Returning Officer immediately; ensure that all postings and publications are taken down as soon as practicable after Election Day; and to ensure that all election materials, other fixtures and ballot boxes are promptly remitted to the Returning Officer.
