GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will be utilising a ten-hour shift to recount votes from the March 2 general and regional elections, staying within the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew that was implemented as part of efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.
While the start date and the length of the recount process have not yet been decided, GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh said Monday that when it does begin, the work will start at 8 a.m. each day and conclude at 6 p.m.
A high-level Caribbean Community (CARICOM) team will be in the country to observe the process, and a decision was taken to have members of that team take COVID-19 tests in their home country before travelling here.
Justice Singh spoke to the media as she and GECOM commissioners, accompanied by members of the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), re-visited the Arthur Chung Convention Centre to ascertain the safety of the venue in light of the COVID-19 emergency measures – including the curfew, a ban on international travel and the mandatory closure of non-essential businesses – that will remain in effect until May 3.
The NCTF was said to be satisfied with the arrangements so far.
“We need to ensure the safety of the CARICOM team. As soon as that is finished, we have to communicate what we have done to ensure their safety to the [CARICOM] Secretary-General…. We will be leaving no stone unturned to ensure that,” Justice Singh told the media outside the conference centre.
GECOM will arrange the recount commencement date in line with the CARICOM team’s availability to travel.
The GECOM chair had earlier decided that there would be ten workstations being utilised for the recount, rejecting a recommendation from Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj for double that number.
Justice Singh said she could not guarantee people’s safety with 20 workstations since some would have to be outside the conference centre.
But she sought to assure that her promise of a transparent national recount would be realised.
“I am doing everything possible. I am the person who spoke about the recount, I am the person who made the commitment and I am going to see it through and shortly, too. I, like them, want to see it end,” the GECOM chair said.
Government-nominated GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander said Monday’s walkthrough at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre was also to ascertain possible locations for the 10 workstations.
With an anticipated 14 persons per workstation, including observers and commission members, the NCTF was on site to determine what spaces could accommodate those numbers.
Alexander said the eastern and western wing of the top floor will be used for the recount along with the central part of the bottom floor. He also noted that the centre was fitted with resources the commission will need to ensure a transparent process.
A draft order of the recount was to be circulated among commissioners Monday evening for comments before a final order is made. (CMC)