Now that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has announced that it will recount the votes cast a month ago, Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, says that this process should be transparent. In fact, he is suggesting that the process be televised so that citizens can ensure that their votes are counted.
GECOM, through its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, said this morning that the recount will proceed in “chronological order”; from Regions One to 10.
With all that has transpired since March 2, Jagdeo is of the belief that if the recount is televised, it will allow citizens to have a full, unadulterated view of the process.
The idea of a recount came after the results for Electoral District Four (D4) was deemed “non-credible” by foreign and local observer groups and party agents. The Returning Officer (RO) for D4, Clairmont Mingo, has come under harsh criticisms for his declaration, which did not match the figures on the Statements of Poll (SOPs) in the possession of observers and party agents.
Also, the methodology he used to arrive at the figures was brought into contention. His declaration was deemed null and void by the Chief Justice. The incumbent President, David Granger and Jagdeo agreed to have a national recount, which the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) – through its Chairperson, Mia Mottley – agreed to supervise.
The recount, however, was challenged as a candidate of the incumbent regime sought an injunction to stop the process. The court ruled that it does not have jurisdiction in the matter. The case has since been appealed. GECOM, however, is moving ahead with its recount, though no operationalization date has been set, nor has the minutiae been worked out.
With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) already sending the nation into panic-mode with 19 confirmed cases inclusive of four deaths, it is still unclear how the commission will move ahead. GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, says that he has recommendations which he will make available to the commission on the way forward.
