President David Granger has written to the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission informing him that the Government of Guyana is committed to doing “everything possible” to ensure that the Commission is provided with “the financial resources and has sufficient time to conduct credible elections.
The Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice James Patterson, has confirmed that he did receive a letter from the President, which is in response to a letter that the Commission had sent to the President informing him of its inability to host elections within the 90 day period after the no confidence motion and the unavailability of funding for the hosting of general and regional elections.
In the letter to the GECOM Chairman, News Source understands that the President, indicated to the Chairman that he intends to seek the parliament’s approval for funding for the elections.
Additionally, the President is also expected to seek the Parliament’s approval on a new timeline for the elections in keeping with the constitution.
The Constitution calls for elections to be called within 90 days following the passage of the no-confidence motion or at a time agreed to by two-thirds of the National Assembly.
With GECOM already indicating that it cannot meet that 90-day timeline, the Government is expected to go to the Parliament seeking the two-thirds majority for an agreed time after March 21.
The Stabroek News in its online edition this evening is reporting that the President is urging GECOM to begin poll preparation.
Presidential Spokesman Mark Archer said the President was very careful with the wording of his letter and there is no talk of any urging of GECOM to begin poll preparation at this time.
He said the Stabroek News headline is “alarming” and the Minister of State is expected to address the matter.
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