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This is not a new phenomenon, or imposition by GECOM

Feb 29, 2020 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

I am not certain that the headline in the Kaieteur News of 26-02-2020 that “GECOM adds 12 more polling places following discussion with Opposition” represents new school construction or availability. It is, however, well known that GECOM has, from time to time, acceded to requests to increase the number of polling places/stations, and that it is a feature of several communities across Guyana that many polling divisions/sub-divisions do not host public buildings, mainly schools, suitable for use as polling places.
It is not a new phenomenon, or imposition by this Commission, and existed long before these elections.
The designation of private buildings, used for public purposes (churches, schools, halls, etc.), as polling places where public schools are not available has been accepted practice before today and poses no automatic threat to the conduct of free and fair elections.
As far as I am aware, no private residences, with persons in residence or conducting business on elections day, are being employed as polling places, and the private ownership of a building does not affect its suitability as a polling place. The location, accessibility, space, lighting and security are more relevant factors, which determine the suitability for polling day usage.
Article 6 (3) of the Representation of the People Act Chapter 1:03 authorises the Returning Officer of the district to, subject to the approval of the Chief Election Officer, appoint polling places in each division/sub-division in the district, and no one would be pleased if the number of polling places were reduced or located away from the relevant polling division.

Sincerely
Oscar Dolphin

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