GECOM denies deciding on claims and objections extension

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has denied making a decision at its statutory meeting on Tuesday last to not extend the period for its ongoing claims and objections exercise.

“It must be categorically stated that the Commission took no such decision,” GECOM wrote in a press release on Wednesday.

GECOM was responding to a letter published in the September 14, 2022 edition of the Stabroek News under the headline ‘The GECOM Chair voted against an extension of claims’ written by opposition commissioner, Vincent Alexander.

In the letter, Alexander noted that the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU) coalition had written to GECOM on September 13, 2022 requesting an extension of the claims and objections period.

“GECOM`s notice at its offices clearly stated that Claims and Objections would be conducted from August 22 to September 18, yet when persons turned up to make claims on September 13, they were told that the period ended on September 12,” Alexander wrote.

GECOM in their release noted although some preliminary discussions commenced at the statutory meeting, it was suggested, and decided, that the Parliamentary political parties be consulted before a determination is made.

The Commission is scheduled to meet on Wednesday at 13:00hrs to further discuss the request for the extension where a decision is expected to be made accordingly, and the outcome communicated to the public.

“In view of the foregoing, the Commission is reminding all stakeholders to always await, and rely on, official communication from GECOM in relation to its decisions and work programme,” GECOM said.