GEORGETOWN – President David Granger says there is no reason for Keith Lowenfield – the chief executive officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), to resign, as uncertainty remains about the outcome of the March 2 elections.
Granger made the comment while speaking to reporters on Sunday.
“I think under the circumstances he did what he was empowered to do under the law, what he is capable to do with the resources,” Granger said.
He explained that Lowenfield is not in control of the courts and he could not accelerate that process.
Granger recounted writing to the then Chairperson of GECOM (retired) Justice James Patterson, calling on him to hold the elections at the earliest credible time.
“These have been the real factors that have delayed the elections and I believe that when Justice Singh got there in July 2019, she did what was feasible to have elections in the earliest possible time . . . . Because of the groundwork which had been laid by Mr Lowenfield and the other officials in the election commission, in the secretariat we were able to have the elections on March 2,” Granger added.
He reiterated that the March 2 General and Regional Elections were possible because of Lowenfield and GECOM staff.
“Reminding that it was agreed by all parties that March 2 was the earliest possible date to hold the elections the President said: “Mr Lowenfield is not to be blamed for that. I wouldn’t ask for his resignation and I wouldn’t even expect him to offer it.”
The Head of State, told reporters that he thought Lowenfield he did quite well under the circumstances.
Meanwhile, the coalition – A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) says it strongly condemns the “reckless remarks” made by the main opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), following the submission of a report by Lowenfield to GECOM.
“It is reprehensible and appalling that the PPP irresponsibly continues its campaign to malign Lowenfield, who has acted within the ambit of the law, as he is required to do, and is in strict compliance with the Gazetted Order,” APNU+AFC said in a press release on Sunday.
Acting in accordance with Stage 2 of the Gazetted Order, No. 60 of 2020, Lowenfield on Saturday presented his detailed report on the first stage of the recount process to GECOM’s Chairman, (retired) Justice Claudette Singh.
This now gives way for stage three where the seven-member commission will now deliberate on the findings.
APNU+AFC believes that the importance of the credibility of the electoral process in arriving at the valid votes cast is paramount.
It was noted that despite the authenticity of the report the PPP continues to respond by spreading misinformation, lies and propaganda on the citizens of Guyana, the diplomatic corps, the Caribbean Community and other parties internationally.
The Coalition called on all Guyanese to remain patient and allow the recount process to continue uninterrupted. (CMC)
