Approximately $6.9 Billion has been approved for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) at the level of the Parliamentary Committee of Supply, as it prepares for Local Government Elections later this year.
Minister of Governance, Gail Teixeira, told the Committee of Supply that the sum includes finances for the hiring of temporary Election Day staff for the Local Government Elections, including scrutineers, as well as the procurement of election materials, and other logistical support required.
“Yes, in the budget they have provided for Local Government Elections both in terms of temporary election day staff, polling day staff as well as ballots and material requirements for local elections,” the Governance Minister said.
The Minister made the revelation while responding to a number of questions posed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul.
Both MP Mahipaul and We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) MP Duarte Hetsberger were told that ahead of the Local Elections, key senior positions are to be filled. Those positions include Deputy Chief Election Officer, Assistant Chief Election Officer, Legal Officer, Information Technology Manager, Research Officer and Security Officer.
However, the Committee was told that there was no provision in the budget to facilitate the use of enhanced biometric at the place of poll at the Local Government Elections.
“That’s a question the commission as a constitutional body has to discuss and come to an agreement on, and if that were to happen then the requisite funds would have to be made available by supplementary,” Minister Teixeira said.
Pointing the Committee to Government’s roll out of the Electronic Identification Card (e-ID card), WIN Member of Parliament Tabitha Sarabo-Halley questioned whether the new electronic system would be “duplicating” the work done by the Elections Commission, with regards to the issuance of ID cards.
But Minister Teixeira responded in the negative, explaining that that the National Electronic ID Card is far more advanced allowing for the storage of personal data, and easy access to government services.
“No, no, there is no overlap. The National Electronic ID Card, e-Card, is one in which people’s data would be on it. In the future it would be like in other countries where you have all your data on it. Your medical records, your licenses, your drivers’ license, everything else, could be swiped by difference spheres of influence, and be able to access that. So, once you have that ID card you could go, and the public hospitals develop the electronic systems, you just use your card, and they will see if you are diabetic, if you have heart problems, if you have any particular complications. So, it is very different,” Minister Teixeira explained.
It was noted that use of the e-ID cards is voluntary, but there will be many advantages to using it when the electronic system is fully implemented.
However, she told the Committee that there is no legislative provision in place for the e-ID cards to be used at the place of poll. Minister Teixeira explained that were that to happen, the Electoral Laws would need to be amended.
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