Ramjattan says will consider declaring E-Day a National Holiday

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan on Thursday said he is contemplating whether to declare Elections Day a National Holiday.

Moments after the Private Sector Commission (PSC) issued a call for this to be done, the Minister told the media that he will consult with stakeholders, including the PSC and public transportation associations, before making a final decision.

“I’m considering that (the calls) because I noticed that in 2011 and 2015, I noticed Clement Rohee (former Minister of Home Affairs) making it a public holiday. I want to hear the arguments,” Ramjattan told the media at the sidelines of an event at the Public Security Ministry.

“It is my decision,” he added.

The PSC, in its statement, said it has given serious consideration to the absolute need for the maintenance of law and order and the free and unhindered access to and from the polling place for every citizen qualified to vote on Election Day.

The PSC said it is important that every voter is free to cast their vote and return directly and safely to their homes.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has published the Official List of Electors (OLE) for the March 2, 2020 general and regional elections with 660,998 names.