A decision on the addition of six work stations to the ongoing recount process is expected on Friday.
The National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) on Thursday morning visited the recount site –the Arthur Chung Conference Centre –and has committed to provide a response to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on whether the stations can be established in accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines.
Public Relations Officer at GECOM, Yolanda Ward told the media that no initial feedback was provided by the Task Force.
“What they’ve indicated is they will prepare a report and submit to the Chair [of GECOM, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh] by tomorrow morning and they have made a commitment that they will provide her with preliminary details by this evening,” Ward said.
Ward explained that the team did not visit on Wednesday as planned since the virologist who forms part of the team had to conclude COVID-19 tests.
She noted that while six places were identified to be used, it is not certain which locations will be approved.
On Wednesday, Ward told the media that the Commission has sufficient staff for the additional work stations.
The Commission prior to the start of the exercise conducted a one-day training for 85 staff but she said there are 400 persons employed with GECOM and more will be trained if there is a need.
GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander in a separate interview with the media on Thursday said the availability of staff was not an issue raised by the Chief Elections Officer.
The increase in work stations from 10 was agreed on to help accelerate the pace of the count.
On Thursday, GECOM completed counting 98 of the ballot boxes for Region one completed with the exception of a box which was found with water on the first day. The contents of that boxes placed in a secure location to dry as the work stations moved on to counting ballots from Region Five.
