Renewed accusations of bias and lack of objectivity are being leveled against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) by the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) following the commencement of the final claims and objections exercise before the May 11 elections.

The ruling Party said on Wednesday stated that it is concerned with the reduced number of registration centres within large communities even though the elections body has reported an increase in these centres countrywide.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee told the media that the GECOM identified offices reflect bias and a lack of objectivity.

To make his case, Rohee assessed the East Bank corridor and claimed that three offices are currently operating in a cluster in the Timerhi/Soesdyke area while the next office is at Grove and another in Mocha.

He said there is no office in Little Diamond, Herstelling and Providence; pointing out that the voting population in these areas is five times that of Mocha.

Rohee said too that there are 13 offices in South Georgetown while only four offices are operating in North Georgetown.

The ruling Party has been very critical of GECOM over the last few months even though the elections body continue to insist on its ability to carry out free and fair elections in keeping with international standards.

Putting aside the criticisms, Rohee commended GECOM for what he views as a pro democratic announcement to welcome international observers. “The PPP views this positive move as a step in the right direction,” Rohee said.

He said the party also welcomes the public statement by GECOM on Sunday last that the results will possibly be announced one day after E Day.

The delay in the announcement of the elections results in the past has created much frustration and tension among citizens and GECOM is aiming to avoid this despite the constitution providing 21 within which this announcement is to be made.

But even with all this optimism the PPP is calling on GECOM to ensure persons recruited as polling day staff are selected through a transparent process.

 The PPP renewed its call for public vetting of all polling day staff.  The Elections Commission has shot down claims of bias being levelled against it by the PPP.

Filed:  11th February, 2015

Related posts:

Shadick accuses GECOM Chair of bias over decision to stick with 42 days of Claims and Objections PPP accuses GECOM of hiring too many persons from the same race PPP concerned about possible shortage of polling day staff Rohee accuses GECOM of “security breaches cover up”