Gocool Boodoo withdraws application for Chief Elections Officer

Former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Gocool Boodoo has withdrawn his recent application seeking a return to the now-vacant position.

This was confirmed by a GECOM Commissioner on Wednesday who said Mr. Boodoo, by email last week, and then via a telephone call on Tuesday, informed GECOM Chairman Justice (retired), Claudette Singh, that he was no longer interested in the post.

The withdrawal comes just two weeks after it was made public that he applied for the top post eight years after his contract was not renewed in 2013.

The News Room was informed that Boodoo offered no reasoning for the withdrawal and calls to his number on Wednesday by the News Room went unanswered.

It was revealed that the email was sent from an address that did not belong to Boodoo but when a follow-up telephone call was placed to him during a meeting of the Commissioners on Tuesday, he answered and confirmed his withdrawal.

When it was announced that he had applied for the post, there was immediate resistance by political actors who expressed concern with his track record.

With Boodoo’s withdrawal, it means that just about 19 people, including three foreigners, remain in the running to be the country’s next Chief Elections Officer.

Interviews are expected to commence soon by the six commissioners and the Chairman following the ongoing process of shortlisting.