Jagdeo says has ‘great faith’ in GECOM chairman, hopes elections will be in February itself

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo Thursday said he sympathized with the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Justice (rt’d) Claudette Singh after she advised the President that the elections body will be able to hold elections at the end of February next year.

He appeared to accept that the advice was based on the plans of the Secretariat which he has been extremely critical of, saying their plans were based on proposals by the main party in Government, the PNC.

“I have great faith in the fairness and impartiality in the chair of GECOM. I don’t think she will do anything to rig the elections.

“She has to rely on a Secretariat that is unreliable at best,” Jagdeo stated at a press conference at his Church Street, Georgetown office.

“We hope the date is in February itself,” Jagdeo stated.

While conceding to the proposal by the GECOM chairman, the Opposition Leader said he was extremely disappointed since the Chairman had told both the Government and the Opposition that she was working to have elections by the end of the year.

However, he urged PPP supporters not to attack the Chairman of GECOM.

“There should be no disparaging statement made about the chairperson. I have made it clear how we view her – I have great faith in her impartiality and that she will not tolerate any rigging. That is critical for us,” Jagdeo stated.

“I know the environment she is working in.”