Amid objections to his party’s symbol, Presidential Candidate for the “We Invest in Nationhood” party, Azruddin Mohamed, today, said he is hopeful that his party’s  symbol will be accepted and approved by the Elections Commission.

The seven-member Guyana Elections Commission will meet on the 1^st July to consider and approve the symbols, which have been submitted by 24 political parties.

Earlier this week, the Chairman of the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) Derrick John, and Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Lenox Shuman, asked the Elections Commission not to approve the “jaguar” as a political symbol.

Speaking to reporters today, Mr. Mohamed said he is surprised that his party’s political symbol is now an issue garnering objections from other parties and representatives outside of the Elections Commission.

“Well, we never had a problem with logo before, this is the first time, and come the first of July, I hope the logo would be approved, because this would be the first time, if it is refused,” he told reporters.

In a letter seen by News Source, the NTC Chairman, Derrick John expressed concern over the use of “indigenous symbols and imagery by political parties” ahead of the September 1 General and Regional Elections.

LJP Leader, Lenox Shuman, in his letter, told GECOM that as an indigenous leader, he strongly objects to the use of the “jaguar” as a political party symbol.

In a recent interview with reporters, Deputy Chief Election Officer (DECO), Aneal Giddings said the Elections Commission is not known for rejecting symbols.

However, he explained that in cases where two symbols may appear similar, adjustments are required before final approval is granted.

“I have never in my tenure here seen a symbol disqualified. What is concerning for the most part to the Commission is whether symbols are similar because when people submit symbols, they use that as an element that they go to campaign with, so, if symbols are similar then that can pose a problem. If a party has a symbol that is similar to a symbol received before, we will inform that party. They usually make adjustments those so symbols. So, symbols in so far as I am aware are not really disqualified or rejected,” the DCEO said.

Elections in Guyana will take place on the 1^st September, with nomination day set for the 14^th July.

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