Response to GECOM’s Press Release: Upholding Transparency and Restoring Public Confidence

Jan 11, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has issued a press release dismissing concerns regarding its transparency and decision-making processes. While GECOM assures the public of its commitment to free, fair, and credible elections in 2025, the onus lies on the Commission to take concrete actions that bolster public confidence, rather than dismiss concerns as “unscrupulous” or “mischievous.”

Transparency is Non-Negotiable

GECOM, as a constitutional body tasked with safeguarding democracy, must operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability. Article 162 of the Constitution of Guyana and the Representation of the People Act obligate GECOM to execute its functions impartially, transparently, and in the public’s best interest. Merely asserting neutrality and transparency without substantiating these claims undermines the Commission’s credibility.

In the interest of transparency, GECOM should

1 Publish Managerial Selection Processes Post-2020

GECOM should publish the following details regarding all managerial positions filled after 2020:

– The names of all candidates who applied for key managerial positions.

– The scores awarded to each candidate by Commissioners during interviews.

– A summary of the discussions that led to the current managerial composition.

-Control mechanism in place to prevent bias in selection. Was there an external agency contact to ensure quality control?

These actions will validate GECOM’s claims of objectivity and transparency, allowing the public to assess the fairness of its hiring practices.

Release Data on Resignations

GECOM should disclose the list of managerial and key staff members who resigned under the current management. Such information will help stakeholders understand potential concerns about internal management and the work environment.

Conduct a Public Confidence Poll

If GECOM is confident in its credibility, it should commission an independent poll to gauge public confidence in its ability to deliver fair and transparent elections. This exercise will help GECOM determine if it is indeed “living in a bubble” and enable corrective measures to be implemented.

Review Public Sentiment

GECOM should analyze online commentary regarding its operations. Anecdotal evidence suggests over 80% of public opinions express skepticism about the Commission’s credibility, with only a minority defending its integrity. Public perception is critical for the credibility of elections, as extensive research has shown that trust in election management bodies (EMBs) correlates directly with voter turnout and electoral legitimacy.

Studies by international organizations such as the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) highlight that public trust in electoral bodies is paramount for democratic stability. A lack of confidence in GECOM can lead to voter apathy, contestation of election results, and broader instability. GECOM must not underestimate the gravity of these concerns and disregard them as mischievous but they are in the interest of fairness and good governance.

The credibility of the 2025 elections is not solely a matter of internal assurances but also of public trust. GECOM must address these challenges proactively and substantively. The Commission should embrace transparency, engage with stakeholders constructively, and take meaningful steps to restore public confidence. Anything less, risks diminishing the integrity of Guyana’s democratic processes.

Let the public be the judge. Will GECOM rise to the occasion?

Regards

R. Williams

(Response to GECOM’s Press Release: Upholding Transparency and Restoring Public Confidence)

(Response to GECOM’s Press Release)

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accountability, Constitution of Guyana, GECOM, Guyana Elections Commission, Transparency

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Response to GECOM’s Press Release: Upholding Transparency and Restoring Public Confidence

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