Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission Dr. Steve Surujbally late Tuesday touted a review of the elections system in Guyana for future elections as citizens across the country continue to criticize the body for the lengthy period it is taking to release results from Monday’s elections.
These elections are said to be to most important and competitive since 1992 and the delay in the declaration of results are said to be increasing the tension that existed before ‘E’ Day.
Responding to questions from News Source, the GECOM Chairman emphasized the need for “a more high-tech system.”
Dr. Surujbally, who is the longest-serving Chairman of the Commission, said “in this modern age we cannot continue to retain these Jurassic concepts” as he reminded of the testing of scan tabulation devices during elections held by the University of Guyana last year.
“GECOM over the years has proven itself… and we have done nothing to be embarrassed about,” Surujbally said as he urged more support for GECOM’s work.
He said it seems people are afraid of technology and their votes but trust a cashier with their money. “We cannot continue this way but people are afraid of technology it seems,” he added.
The GECOM Chairman called for patience among the citizens as GECOM continues its tabulation to deliver accurate results but says a review of the system for future elections is no doubt needed. “GECOM has done nothing to be embarrassed about.”
The Commission Chairman could not give any clear indication of when the final results will be declared but said they will not put expediency over accuracy.
The law states that the elections Body has 15 days to declare the results but notwithstanding this provision hundreds of citizens are utilizing social media to vent their frustration, even with the absence of tangible preliminary results.
The elections commission is awaiting Statements of Polls from Districts 1, 7 and 8 and has already received from the other regions with efforts afoot to verify those SOP’s.
GECOM is promising to release for concrete preliminary results tomorrow even as the diplomatic community and international observer missions have called for patience.
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