The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is inviting local elections observers to be considered for accreditation to observe the March 2 polls.
According to the Commission, all groups should be familiar and experienced about electoral laws and procedures.
Previous experience of elections monitoring and/or other relevant experience and national or international training, ability to maintain professional independence and strict impartiality in the conduct of duties and demonstrated commitment to democracy and human rights, were also mentioned by the Commission for those seeking observer status.
Those applying should also be of Guyanese citizenship and have interpersonal skills in “capacity of balanced judgement, ability to work in teams, ability to cope with difficult situations, respect for diverse attitudes, good communication skills, readiness to work in a multi-cultural environment.”
Each application must include name, address, contact details and information on the organisation along with the proposed Regions to observe and evidence of similar past experiences.
The Observer Application Form can be found on GECOM’s website.
This form must be returned to the Chairperson by January 15, 2020, GECOM specified.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved several international organisations to serve as Electoral Observers for the upcoming general and regional elections.
Among those approved are the Carter Center, the Organisation of American States and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
However, the approval of local observers lies with GECOM.
At a press conference in November, Chair of GECOM, retired Justice Claudette Singh said Four local groups: American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) have already indicated their interest.