Intense training of Election Day staff underway by GECOM

As the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) gears up for the September 1 General and Regional Elections, Election Day staff, as well as the Management staff, are undergoing “rigorous” training, according to the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward.

Cognizant of the challenges that confronted the Election Secretariat during the 2020 Elections, GECOM is placing heavy focus on the electoral laws and the management structure during the course of the training.

Ms. Ward told News Source that training commenced in April, starting with the trainer of trainers programme, and later the training of management staff including Returning Officers (ROs) for the Electoral Districts, the Deputy Returning Officers (DROs), and the Supernumerary Officers for the sub-electoral divisions in Regions 3, 4 and 6.

“So, that training for those management staff has been completed and discussions are ongoing at the level of the commission in terms of the employment of those persons to those respective positions,” Ward said.

She said across the country, polling day staff are being trained. Training is expected to continue into July.

“This is a rigorous two-day training exercise where there is particular emphasis on the laws. As you know, the conduct of elections are guided, in general, by laws, and therefore, that training, strictly, is focused on, in terms of the legal and procedural requirement for the conduct of the polls, and of course there is a heavy emphasis on the penalties that are associated with election offenses and also a particular focus in terms of the various procedures that polling day workers are required to adhere to during the conduct of the polls,” the GECOM PRO explained.

In 2022, the National Assembly amended the Representation of the Peoples Act to strengthen the electoral system. The Act now requires Statements of Poll (SOPs) to be distributed to the Chief Election Officer and the Chairman of GECOM, in addition to an electronic copy being posted on the commission’s website to be viewed by the public.

It also provides for hefty fines and jail time for anyone including election staff and officials who are found guilty of committing election related offences.

Ward said that the roles and functions of polling day staff, and those who would constitute management, have been clearly outlined. In the event of a break down, as was the case in 2020, Ward said there is a clear structure in place.

“There is a management structure in which these persons are guided in terms of, in fact the training opens as we move on from the legal framework, and then we go into the management structure to establish the reporting line – there is a clear reporting line,” Ward said.

Before they are shortlisted to work on Election Day, those undergoing training must successfully complete four evaluations at the conclusion of their training.