Latest update August 1st, 2026 12:35 AM
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AFC disappointed in opposition leader choice in GECOM’s nomination
– Says representative from AFC should have been chosen
The Alliance For Change (AFC) is congratulating Ms. Sandra Jones on her appointment as a
AFC’s Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan
Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioner to replace the late Robert Williams.
The congratulation was expressed by AFC’s Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan, at a press conference yesterday at the Side Walk Café, Middle Street.
Adding that he was informed via an email from the Leader of the Opposition Brigadier David Granger, Ramjattan said the AFC is however disappointed in the principle and methodology deployed in the identification of Ms. Jones as the nominee to fill the vacancy at GECOM.
He said it was the Alliance’s hope that with the new national dispensation, the broader representation of the opposition parliamentary parties in GECOM would have been reflected.
“Prior to the announcement by Mr. Granger that Ms. Jones was a candidate, we were unaware of her consideration as a candidate,” Ramjattan noted. “We believe that one of the unfortunate consequences of Ms. Jones’s nomination is that it may place her in the regrettable position of not enjoying the full support of the joint opposition thereby, leading to unnecessary and avoidable distractions over her nomination.”
He explained that the AFC remains strongly committed to the principle that one of the three representatives of the Opposition in GECOM prior to its reform should be a person nominated by the Alliance for Change.
He added that the AFC noted that the selection departs from the agreed principle, which openly stated and which was articulated not only by the AFC but also by members of other political parties, including Aubrey Norton of the PNC and Hinds of the WPA, as well as independent commentators Frederick ‘Freddie’ Kissoon, Dr. Henry Jeffrey and several other persons.
“It was indeed heartening to hear Aubrey Norton, who was himself tipped for the position, declare that an AFC nominee should fill the position.”
Ramjattan underscored that it is unfortunate that a party with the parliamentary strength of the AFC could not have been afforded a place on GECOM, and as such bring a truly “independent” view on behalf of the electorate, particularly against the backdrop that our people always tend to view elections and their results with some amount of suspicion “as was seen even at the 2011 polls when APNU and the PPP wanted verification of the Statements of Poll, and the PPP claims of electoral fraud…The AFC is once again calling for a reform of GECOM and will be moving the required legislation in Parliament.”
He said that the AFC is maintaining its high level of confidence in its representative, David Patterson, as the nominee and will continue supporting his vibrant efforts to renew and define our democracy on all fronts.
“Though we are dissatisfied, the AFC does not see this as an event for “war” in the opposition. We will remain focused on the need for the broadest unity and cooperation…In an effort to avoid further adverse impact to the damage already occasioned by the nomination, we offer no observation or pronouncement on Ms. Jones’ qualifications,” Ramjattan lamented.
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