GECOM refutes GPSU’s claims of observer status

Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 February 2015, 21:34 by GxMedia

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Tuesday refuted claims by the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) that it has been granted observer status for the upcoming general and regional elections.

“GECOM wishes to categorically state that it has so far made no such accreditation of the GPSU as an Observer of any kind for the upcoming May 11 elections,” said the commission in reaction to an article published in two daily newspapers based on a statement issued by the union.

Instead, the elections management authority confirmed receiving an application for observer status from that trade union. However, GECOM said it has been formally asked to comply with a number of requirements before the Commission can consider its application fully.

“GECOM would like to further point out that it is in receipt of a letter of application for Domestic Observer Status from the GPSU, to which it responded – by way of a letter – meticulously outlining a menu of terms and conditions that the GPSU must satisfy before consideration could be given by GECOM for accreditation,” the commission said.

GECOM assured that upon the agreement by the GPSU on the terms and conditions outlined by GECOM, the Commission would then write to the GPSU, inviting them to meet with GECOM officials relative to a further finalization of accreditation arrangements.

GECOM says it welcomes the interest shown by the GPSU in ensuring that that election management body produces elections that are transparent, free, fair and credible.