Aside from calling for the use of biometrics at places of poll, the Alliance for Change (AFC) is now floating the idea of having cameras installed. The party noted however that the likelihood of this happening appears slim, with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) already listing challenges.
Following a meeting with GECOM on Thursday, the AFC issued a statement lambasting the elections machinery for a number of shortcomings, with one being the agency’s reluctance to install cameras.
“On the AFC’s recommendation that cameras in polling stations be used as a security feature and confidence building mechanism, GECOM admitted that it had not included any request for this in their budget and it has not yet been discussed as a formal agenda item,” the party said.
It added that GECOM also failed to provide a “coherent justification” for rejecting biometrics at the place of poll.
The party said that it also learnt that the Chairperson, Justice (retired) Claudette Singh, “unilaterally” authorised the renewal of the contract of the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) despite putting it on their agenda and in the absence of discussing it with the Commissioners.
It further noted that ongoing internal disagreements among Commissioners highlight GECOM’s “fractured structure, a lack of unity and direction as well as partisan positions that do not augur well for a free and fair elections process.”
The AFC said that it will update the diplomatic community and representatives of the international observer missions on Thursday’s disclosures by GECOM and will continue to engage with the public and civil society to demand electoral fairness.
“The fight for justice is far from over, and we urge all citizens to join this movement for a better Guyana.,” the party said.
