Latest update February 20th, 2025 12:39 PM
The ball is now in President Granger’s court
DEAR EDITOR,
Retired Justice James Patterson has finally exited the GECOM stage. His resignation as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is a welcome development not only from the standpoint of adherence to the Rule of Law but more importantly in terms of voter confidence in the electoral processes of which GECOM is a key player.
It is unfortunate that the resignation of Mr. Patterson had to await a decision from the Caribbean Court of Justice. It was quite evident that he did not enjoy the full confidence of the political opposition, which resulted not only from the manner in which he was appointed but also from several decisions he took which seems manifestly partisan in favour of the ruling coalition. Such apparent biases resulted in several walkouts from GECOM meetings by opposition-nominated Commissioners, which served to further erode confidence and trust in the decision-making processes of that important institution.
The challenge now is to ensure that a new Chairman is appointed by President Granger within the shortest possible time and in keeping with the Price-Carter formula which has now been enshrined in our Constitution.
Opposition Leader Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is on record as saying that he is available to meet with the President any time and on a daily basis if necessary to conclude the process of the appointment of a new GECOM. This now puts the ball in the court of President Granger to have a new Chairman appointed within the shortest possible time and with due regard to the provisions of the Constitution.
I have no doubt that an agreement can be reached in good time on a date for elections and the appointment of a new GECOM Chairman.
The Guyanese people are looking forward to nothing less. At stake is the future of Guyana especially at this crucial conjuncture in time when a brighter future beckons.
Hydar Ally
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