As Guyana moves to host local government elections for the first time in over 20 years, the Guyana Elections Commission is hoping that the U.S government through the local embassy could assist the Commission in several critical areas.

During a meeting on Tuesday between US Ambassador Perry Holloway and the Chairman of GECOM, Dr. Steve Surujbally, the state of preparedness for local government elections was discussed.

Guyanese are expected to head to the polls to vote for their local democratic organs early in 2016. The last time local government elections were held was back in 1994.

According to a statement from the Elections Commission, during the discussions, Dr. Surujbally highlighted specific areas in which assistance could possibly be provided through the embassy of the USA, relative to the conduct of Local government elections.

“The areas include Civic and Voter Education, preparation of relevant sinage, procurement of equipment, establishment of a Media Centre for the elections, and the establishment of a specialized course in elections management at the University of Guyana.  In respect to the latter, Dr. Surujbally explained that such a course would be geared to deliver a pool of knowledgeable personnel to which GECOM  would have access when seeking to hire competent persons to work during election projects”, the release said.

According to GECOM, the US envoy undertook to collaborate with the other members among the International Development Partners to determine how to assist GECOM relative to the areas suggested by the GECOM Chairman.

The Ambassador pointed out that at this time, big projects like the establishment of a Media Centre for the elections, and the establishment of a specialized course in elections management cannot be undertaken.

GECOM has already started the training of its staff in preparation for the local government polls.

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