GECOM Results Declaration Delayed as Opposition Skips Meeting
GECOM's election results declaration faces delay as opposition commissioners boycott crucial meeting, though constitutional provisions ensure process continuation within 24 hours.
GECOM headquarters in Georgetown as commission prepares for election results declaration
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) faced another setback Friday night in declaring the general and regional election results due to the absence of opposition-aligned commissioners, highlighting ongoing challenges in Guyana's electoral process.
Constitutional Provisions Ensure Continuity
Despite the absence of opposition commissioners Vincent Alexander, Desmond Trotman, and Charles Corbin creating a lack of quorum, constitutional provisions allow for the declaration to proceed within 24 hours. The commission can convene with any four commissioners including the Chairman to make the necessary decisions.
Recent Vote Recount Confirms Results
Prior to this development, a comprehensive recount was completed following requests by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) for:
- 391 boxes on the East Coast Demerara
- 77 boxes in parts of Region Five
According to PPP/C-aligned commissioner Sase Gunraj, the recount resulted in minimal changes, with parties seeing variations of only three to four votes. This reaffirms the integrity of the initial count in these crucial elections.
Path Forward
Based on declarations from all 10 districts, President Irfaan Ali and his People's Progressive Party Civic maintain their unofficial victory with approximately 55 percent of the popular vote. Following the official declaration, notification will be sent to the Chancellor of the Judiciary for the President's swearing-in ceremony.
Adrian Singh
Business reporter focused on economic freedom, foreign investment, and institutional transparency.