US Ambassador urges for expeditious start of national recount

US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch on Friday called for an expeditious start of the national recount of all votes cast on March 2, 2020, which will bring an end to the ongoing electoral process in Guyana.

“We’re pleased to hear that the recount has been agreed to and we look forward to the recount starting as quickly as possible and finishing as expeditiously as possible,” the Ambassador told the News Room during an interview at the sidelines of an event in Georgetown.

The Diplomat noted that it is pertinent for the logistical arrangements for the recount to adhere to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) guidelines but noted that this must be done quickly.

“I know there are a lot of discussions going on in terms of whatever we count is COVID compliant so there is a lot of things to be put in place but again, we really hope those are put in place quickly and that we can hear about a start date really soon,” the U.S Ambassador told the News Room.

GECOM is meeting again today to finalise the legal order which must be gazetted to start the national recount and to further agree on the work plan which will include a start date for the process.

It is also expected that the Commission will determine the number of days the recount will take to conclude.

The Chief Elections Officer had recommended 156 days for the national recount using three work stations with two Commissioners present at each station.

However, having removed the need for the Commissioners to be present at each station, GECOM has now agreed to have 10 recount stations working from 08:00hrs to 18:00hrs and this was approved by the National COVID-19 Task Force.