Is GECOM prepared for an August 12 poll date?

-the Commission is of the view, they are

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) says work are apace as it relates to preparation for the holding of polls by August 12 of next year. As such, the Commission is currently conducting registration exercises, which is expected to conclude by the end of 2010.

            This will then be followed by the commencement of processes for the preparation of the voters’ list, according to the Commission’s Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield.

            He stated that approximately 20,000 registrations have been processed thus far, but pointed out that the commission is however short of registration targets, due to the number of eligible persons, who are unable to source their birth certificates.

            The issue of Guyanese unable to access services to obtain a birth certificate has been a constraint facing many persons, especially those residing in remote (hinterland) areas. The issue however, was dealt with by Government Ministers during its annual Cabinet outreaches to far-flung areas, to address issues facing residents.

            The Commission have thus far, established over 133 offices countrywide to facilitate electorates in the 10 Administrative regions to be registered so that they will be eligible to vote come next year, when Guyana will host another General Elections which will see Opposition Parties competing with the current ruling party, for the seat.

Constraints

However, Lowenfield indicated that the issue of non-collection of National Identification cards still remains a major constrains for the Commission, noting that as, of May GECOM has informed that over 90,000 cards were still to be uplifted.

            Preparations for the hosting of General Elections are moving apace and according to reports reaching this blog there will be a free and fair process as always.

            The Alliance for Change (AFC) has since announced Khemraj Ramjattan as its President Candidate for the 2011 elections, while Ms. Shield Holder will hold the Prime Ministerial position.

             The People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic is yet to announce the party’s Presidential candidate.

According to Leader of the PNC/R Robert Corbin during the party’s weekly press briefing on November 19, the party will be holding meetings from January 3-31 at which they will decide on the appropriate candidate to contest the General Elections.

            He however, assured that on February 19, 2011 the party will elect and announced its candidate.