Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield told media operatives this afternoon that preparations are “well advanced” for the hosting of Regional and General Elections on March 2.
As it relates to the establishment of offices of the Returning Officers (ROs) and Deputy Returning Officers (DROs), the secretariat is moving towards the appointment of the required staff. He also reported that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been engaged in establishing ballot stations.
Ballots will arrive in two days, and all the actives related to that development will be set into motion, he said.
“So, as far as our arrangements go, we are at a safe place,” Lowenfield assured.
Quizzed on the number of polling stations, Lowenfield noted that there are 2,352 inclusive of 131 private residences.
He said that most of the polling stations that are private residences are in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica), particularly along the East Coast Demerara Corridor. There are 91 such stations, he noted.
He added that the Commission will be deliberating on this issue with the view of providing him with a feedback so that he can “confirm and ensure” that these locations are gazetted within the statutory period required.
Meanwhile, Opposition-nominated Commissioner Robeson Benn, noted that the Commission has already met with the European Union (EU) and the Commonwealth elections observers. He described the meetings as “useful”.
Government-nominated Commissioner, Vincent Alexander said that the Official List of Electors is out, and persons who did transfers through the truncated house-to-house registration process, are being informed of the transaction via letters.
