ANUG points out Lowenfield’s ‘criminal conduct’, calls for his dismissal

See below full statement issued by A New and United Guyana (ANUG):

July 12, 2020

ANUG STATEMENT ON LOWENFIELD

A New and United Guyana (ANUG) calls on the Chair to dismiss the Chief Elections Officer, in accordance with the powers vested in the Commission under section 161A(1) of the Constitution and under laws which govern employment.

It is critical for Guyana at this edge of the precipice that the Commission does not permit the CEO to continue to defeat the lawful conduct by the Commission of its function within the parameters set out by the decision of the Caribbean Court of Justice handed down on 8th July 2020.

The CEO’s conduct, including most recently his refusal to adhere to the instructions of the Chair, his defiance of the CCJ ruling, and his failure to attend the meeting scheduled on Saturday 11th July, warrants summary dismissal.

It is clear that he has no intention of carrying out the lawful instructions of the Commission, and he must not be permitted to frustrate the completion of the process.

The Commission should as a matter of administrative necessity identify a nominee as Mr Lowenfield’s replacement before the next meeting so that there is no delay after his dismissal to require the report from the new CEO under section 96 and to declare the election result based on that lawful report based on the recount as mandated by Gecom, and approved by the CCJ.

The Commission is reminded of its duty under Article 162(1)(b) to ensure ‘impartiality, fairness and compliance’ with the constitution, and that its continued indulgence of Mr Lowenfield’s criminal conduct is a direct breach of that constitutional duty and a disregard of the will of the people as expressed in the National Elections.