PPP/C ready for Local Gov’t Elections – Rohee – plans to contest professionally under Surujbally
ALTHOUGH the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is maintaining its stand that GECOM Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally be removed, the Party has declared its readiness to contest the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) in a professional manner.Speaking yesterday at the Party’s weekly press conference, PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee said: “We are calling for the removal of Surujbally, but that does not contradict our decision to contest the Local Government Elections in a professional manner.”
Rohee said further that the Party is prepared to the best of their abilities but some laws are yet to be passed in the National Assembly regarding the LGE. However, the PPP/C is prepared with respect to the current laws and will be ready to contest the constituency or Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) elections.
He noted also that their participation in the LGE will also be determined by conditions that are conducive.
The General Secretary said that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) ought to ensure that each elector is placed in exactly the specific constituency and/or NDC where they are residing and is on the appropriate list of electors specific to that constituency and/or NDC.
Apart from that Rohee noted that the boundaries for each of the NDCs and constituencies must be settled to the complete satisfaction of the PPP/C with the names and addresses of each situated within the relevant boundary where the elector is a resident.
“There should be public re-advertisement for officials who are desirous of filling specific positions and responsibilities on elections day on behalf of GECOM…the Claims and Objections period be held in conformity with the lists of electors agreed upon and accepted by the political parties,” said the General Secretary.
PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGN
GECOM will have to mount an aggressive and user-friendly public relations campaign targeted to specific issues of concern to the elector and the proportional representation and constituency electoral process, Rohee stated.
He added that there should be public vetting of polling day staff already in the pool and the PPP/C will be pressing for a new Voters List, implementation of an e-voting system, enhanced biometrics and an ethnic balance in staff hired by the elections commission.
