GECOM stops giving observers copies of Statements of Recount

Observers, local and international, currently participating in the national recount exercise of votes cast in the March 02, 2020 elections are no longer receiving copies of Statements of Recount (SORs) after each ballot box is recounted.

When the recount exercise commenced last Wednesday, observers along with the CARICOM scrutineers and party agents were being handed copies of the SORs once these were signed by the party agents present.

GECOM has since stopped disseminating copies to the observers and are only giving same to the CARICOM team and party agents.

APNU+AFC nominated Commissioner of GECOM, Vincent Alexander explained on Monday that the statements were given to the observers in error.

He explained that the current gazette order which outlines the guidelines for the recount does not provide for such.

Alexander also explained that it is not the standard operating procedure for observers participating in elections here.

He said while the information was brought to the Commission’s attention it was also noted by the Secretariat, which corrected the situation.

According to the order, the result of the general and regional recount of each ballot box shall be recorded as provided for on a Statement of Recount upon the completion of the recount of each box.

The Statement of Recount shall be signed by the person conducting the recount and by the representative of each contesting party present, in the presence of the CARICOM Scrutinising Team, representatives of political parties that contested the said elections, International and Local Observers accredited by the Guyana Elections Commission, and advisors to the Guyana Elections Commission.

These documents shall be lodged with the Chief Election Officer and copies distributed to the signatories thereto, the CARICOM Scrutinising Team and the Chairman and Commissioners.