‘It is a dangerous decision’ – Private Sector on appointment of GECOM chair

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) today declared as “dangerous” President David Granger’s unilateral decision to appoint retired High Court Judge, Justice James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“The decision of the President to act unilaterally and independently of the submissions of the Leader of the Opposition poses a clear threat to democracy and will inevitably divide the nation and lead to economic instability.  It is a dangerous decision,” the PSC said in a statement issued on Friday.

The PSC said it was extremely unfortunate that the President and the Leader of the Opposition failed to find agreement on the appointment of the Chairman of the Elections Commission.

The PSC said throughout the entire process of exchange between the President and the Leader of the Opposition, it had hoped that the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM would continue in an open and transparent manner and in accord with the requirements of the Constitution.