Jagdeo backs GECOM Chair’s decision not to review 2020 Elections

Back in February, Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, and Desmond Trotman proposed that an internal investigation be launched into the events of the March 2020 general and regional elections, with a view to improving the systems of the Commission to avoid a reoccurrence.

Jagdeo backs GECOM Chair’s decision not to review 2020 Elections

A decision by the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) retired Justice Claudette Singh not to review the 2020 elections has gained the support of Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo who described the Opposition’s move to have the review as ‘nonsense’.

Back in February, Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, and Desmond Trotman proposed that an internal investigation be launched into the events of the March 2020 general and regional elections, with a view to improving the systems of the Commission to avoid a reoccurrence.

The proposal was shot down as the Chairman made a decision not to allow the proposal to move forward.

At his press conference on Wednesday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said he believes the decision to not allow the review is the right one.

He said for such a review to take place, persons no longer in the employ of GECOM and who are before the Court for alleged wrongdoings would be relied on for information.

Mr. Jagdeo said he believes that the matters which face the Elections Commission can be accommodated in the amendment to the Representation of the People’s Act.

“It’s nonsense, it’s before the court now. And then they are trying to link this review with support for the amendment for the Representation of the People’s Act. Now clearly they don’t want the Representation of the People Act to be amended even after going through a public process and everybody recognizes now that we have to put arrangements in place in the Act to avoid some of the things we have had,” Mr. Jagdeo said.

The Vice-President sees the attempts of the Opposition nominated Commissioners for a review of the 2020 elections as an opportunity to oppose the framework of the electoral system.

“They are now talking about cleansing the list. Well removing people who constitutionally have a right as the Chief Justice rule has a right to be on the list that’s not cleansing. Cleansing can only deal with people who died and shouldn’t be on the list.

President Irfaan Ali in his inauguration address had promised a Commission of inquiry into the 2020 General Elections. Almost two years into his term, there has been no movement in this regard.

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