GECOM pushes for more youth voters

Last Updated on Saturday, 28 February 2015, 17:11 by GxMedia

GECOM, Georgetown, February 28, 2015 – In the interest of increasing the voter turnout of youths in Guyana on Elections Day, the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) will be working in consultation and collaboration with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in the production of a number of strategic communication messages for dissemination countrywide. This decision was agreed upon last Thursday, when the GNYC met with GECOM to outline some of the Council’s plans for helping GECOM with the latter’s comprehensive Civic and Voter Education programme associated with the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

GECOM recognizes the perturbing global trends relative to youth participation in electoral processes, and intends to get involved with the GNYC, in meaningful ways, so as to ensure that – as part of its Civic and Voter Education campaign – the unique communication needs of the Guyanese youth are catered for.

GECOM is committed to helping the GNYC in any way it can to assist young people to make a conscious effort to vote on Elections Day, and to also highlight the very real consequences non-participation in the electoral process can have on their lives.

The GNYC has outlined a plan pertaining to a robust public awareness campaign that is expected to capture the attention of youth in positive ways, encouraging them to get out and vote in the upcoming elections of May 11. Together with GECOM, the GNYC will be ensuring that the youth of Guyana understands the significance of how voting impacts their future and that of the next generation.

Attending the meeting from GECOM were its Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally, Deputy Chief Election Officer, Mr. Vishnu Persaud, Legal Officer Ms. Juanita Barker and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Richard Francois.

The other attendees included, Ms. Tiffany Daniels, Chair, GNYC, Mr. Glen Bradbury, Chief of Party (USAID/IRI LEAD Project) and Ms. Julie Sookram representative of IRI LEAD Project.