The Elections Commission of Inquiry’s final report into the 2020 General Elections, was handed over to President Irfaan Ali today at the Office of the President.

The Commission of Inquiry found that there was a “conscious and deliberate – even brazen –effort to violate sections of the Representation of the People’s Act, which is the legislation that covers elections.

The inquiry found that Senior GECOM officials “abandoned all need for neutrality and impartiality and demonstrated a bias for a competing political party and, in the course of events over those days, showed an open connection with that party and, by their efforts, sought a desired result for that party”.

Head of the Commission of Inquiry, retired Trinidad and Tobago Judge, Stanley John, in brief remarks at the handing over ceremony said public officers must understand their responsibilities and roles as public officers.

“The report of the Commission of Inquiry, makes the strong point that people who hold public office, must realise that public office is sacred office and not a personal office. And whatever their political views maybe in the performance of their public duties, they must adhere to those regulations”, Justice John said.

The Commission of Inquiry found that top GECOM Officials at the time, Keith Lowenfield, Roxanne Myers and Clairmont Mingo were principally responsible for “clear and deliberate attempts to frustrate, obstruct and
subvert the ascertainment of votes in electoral district No. 4″.

On the Returning Officer’s early declaration of the Region 4 results, the Commission of Inquiry found that the Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo knew or ought to have known that the ascertainment and tabulation of the votes for electoral district No. 4 had not been completed at the time he made his declaration.

Moments after the report was handed over to President Irfaan Ali, he said it will be made available to the public. The report was released to the media just after the event ended. The President said it was important for the Commission of Inquiry to be conducted.

In a recommendation, the Commission of Inquiry said that as it stands, the structure of GECOM is, at its core, politicized and that makes it difficult for it to operate with any efficiency or effectiveness.

The Commission of Inquiry said Consideration should be given to amending this that, to allow for more balanced participation from other organizations or professionals with technical expertise thereby reducing the
politicization of the electoral process.

Download and Read THE FULL REPORT BELOW

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