The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections officially came to an end today after 22 days of hearings. The Senior Counsel who presided over the matter made it clear that despite public opinion, the CoI had no political agenda. She affirmed that the only work of the commission was to find the truth of what occured during the last election.
Senior Counsel, Sophia Chote in her submission today explained that an important aspect of the testimonies given before the commission points to irregularities within the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), specifically its operation and processees.
The SC called on the commission to review closely, the reports from election observers and agents who provided a plethora of recounts from bomb threats, to even alleged acts of electoral fraud. She noted also, that the actions of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at the Ashmins building must also be placed under the microscope.
Specifically, she called on the COI to review the conduct of District Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, who is currently before the courts on allegations that he attempted to rig the outcome of results for his region.
She noted also, that there other individuals who might have had their part to play in what she claimed was an apparent plot to pervert and disregard the rules outlined in law.
“The actions of those who wanted to pervert the rule of law, turned GECOM into a dark place and that could have led to very serious consequences for this country… It’s all about transparency and accountability, “ SC Chote said.
She elaborated that the Commission of Inquiry has a tremendously vital role to determine not only facts, but also it’s interpretation of law. She noted that the findings will serve as an important factor for the commission’s recommendations in the report.
She however highlighted the quality of testimonies presented by those who were part of the weeks-long tabulation and recount process.
“These witnesses were adversaries in the 2020 elections but yet when they come to give you their evidence, there is a remarkable coincidence in the account of what they have presented to you …Not only did they come and give live evidence but they had contemporaneous records,” she said.
In her concluding submission, she made further mention of several witnesses, and how they’re testimony provided detailed recollection of the current state of affairs with GECOM. She highlighted that based on those testimonies, there was a clear indication that standard operational procedures were not followed; even by those in the leadership of GECOM.
“Vishnu Persaud of GECOM, Aneal Giddings from GECOM, the material they provided about the electoral process, not only in terms of registration but what happens at polling stations, what is a statement of poll, for instance who has access to it… These are the things I think that is absolutely important to look at,” she submitted.
