Attorney General Anil Nandlall has defended the current composition of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), arguing that its structure helped protect the electoral process during the disputed 2020 general elections.

Speaking on Starting Point today, Nandlall said the presence of commissioners nominated by the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) helped prevent what he described as an attempt to steal the elections.

“In my respectful view, the composition of GECOM helped us save this country at the 2020 elections. Had it not been for the PPP commissioners … we would have lost the elections. They would have been allowed to steal the elections,” Nandlall stated.

He explained that when a bomb threat was announced at the Ashmin’s Building during the 2020 polls tabulation process, PPP commissioners remained in the building to guard the ballot boxes. He noted that an independent party might have abandoned their post and ran to save their lives.

The AG highlighted however that GECOM’S composition is governed by the constitution and whatever changes to be made has to be done in that regard.

The AG’s defence comes amid continued calls for changes to the commission. The Carter Center has raised concerns about GECOM’s politically divided structure, arguing that the current impasse over its composition threatens preparations for local government elections.

GECOM is constitutionally responsible for administering elections impartially and fairly. The debate therefore has implications for public confidence, political representation and the credibility of future results.

Local government elections are expected next month, but a date has not been announced. This is despite the Commission’s available work plan.

While Nandlall says changes to GECOM should be considered through constitutional reform, the current impasse involves the change to the main opposition and that its representatives cannot get on the GECOM commission because those occupying the seats are constitutionally protected to do so.

Credit : Starting Point