Jagdeo seeks clarification on qualities of GECOM chair during second meeting with President

For the second time in just over a week President David Granger and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, today met to discuss the much talked-about appointment of a new chairperson for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Present also at the follow-up meeting held at State House, were State Minister Joseph Harmon, Attorney General, Basil Williams and PPP Member of Parliament, Anil Nandlall.

According to a press release, Minister Harmon disclosed that Mr. Jagdeo requested clarification with respect to the qualities of the persons to be included on the list. In this regard, the Attorney General clearly explained what “fit and proper” means in accordance with the Constitution, was “fit and proper”.

President Granger, the release disclosed, also undertook to prepare a letter outlining the qualities he expects in a nominee. This letter will be sent to the Opposition Leader within a week to further guide his selection process following which he will be expected to submit his new list.

While a date has not been fixed for the next meeting Minister Harmon made it clear that there will not be much delay in concluding the issue.

The two parties also discussed the appointment of two judges, who were recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to sit in the High Court and the Court of Appeal, which is a matter that the Opposition Leader raised with the President last week.

Last week, President Granger invited the Opposition Leader to discuss the appointment of Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards as Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire as Acting Chief Justice. These two appointments have since been agreed to by the Opposition.