Guyana President rejects second GECOM list

The main opposition people’s Progressive Party (PPP) has again accused President David Granger of giving “lip service” to the efforts to find a chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

President Granger has already disagreed with the two lists containing the names of people whom the PPP has submitted to replace Dr Steve Surujbally, who stepped down last November.

President Granger said that the opposition leader must now submit a new list, adding “nothing is ever settled until it is settled right and he has to get it right”.

Granger said he was prepared to work with Jagdeo “for as long as it takes to have somebody selected who fits the criteria, satisfies the Constitution and is one that the people of Guyana could be happy with”.

Granger also said that the person to be appointed “will not be an activist in any form” and “that person should not have any political affiliation or should not belong to any political party in any form, apparent or hidden”.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has suggested that there be an amendment to the Constitution to allow for foreign nationals to be nominated to the post of GECOM chairman. (CMC)