GECOM Chair decides no more than 10 workstations but no date for recount stated

The Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice Claudette Singh has determined that the national recount of votes cast on March 02 should be done using no more than 10 workstations. However, she has not indicated when the recount would start.

She has also determined that the workstations would be placed inside the Guyana International Conference Centre.

Given the measures in place to limit large gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Chair has also written the National COVID-19 Task Force with what she said are some “specific” requests.

Please see below full email sent to GECOM’s Six Commissioners:

Dear Commissioners,

Pursuant to my undertaking at the Commission meeting held on 16th April, 2020 to communicate my decision via email on the number of workstations to be used for the national recount of ballots cast in the 2nd March, 2020 General and Regional Election, please note the following:-

Having considered all the circumstances in light of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the requirement of social distancing, I have decided as follows:-

1. that there should be no more than ten (10) work stations, subject to the availability of the requisite equipment and technology to display the ballots;
2. that each work station should tabulate its own results;
3. that, for security reasons, all the work stations should be located inside the Conference Centre building.

Please also be advised that I have written to the Prime Minister / Chairman of the National Covid-19 taskforce with some specific requests. He has since indicated that an urgent meeting of the taskforce would be convened to discuss same and a response would be provided shortly.

Best regards,

Justice Claudette Singh SC, CCH
Justice of Appeal (Retd)
Chairperson
Guyana Elections Commission