EU to support capacity building within GECOM

EUUpon request of the Government of Guyana and of the Guyana Elections Commission [GECOM], the European Union [EU] recruited two experts to support GECOM in its capacity building activities: An International Technical Assessor (ITA) and an Information Communication Technology Specialist (ICTS). The experts are funded from the EU-Guyana Technical Cooperation Facility.

The International Technical Assessor shall advise GECOM on compliance with and further streamlining of international standards for elections and shall assist the Commission and its staff in the adoption of good practices in their preparations for and the conduct of future elections.

The Information Communication Technology Specialist shall be responsible for the provision of technical assistance to the Information Technology Department of GECOM.  The aforementioned technical advice includes critically analysing the systems and operating procedures of Divisions of GECOM and recommending the most suitable computer programmes and systems.

Mr Alexander Gray (UK), as ITA and Mr Daniel Piret (Belgium), as ICTS were selected based on their profound experience in their respective fields. The evaluation panel included GECOM deputy commissioners nominated from different political parties. Mr Grey was engaged in around thirty technical assistance and election observation missions working with and for Election Management Bodies. Mr Piret has been providing ICT consultancy on governance and elections over the last four decades. Both experts have worked around the globe including assignments in the Caribbean.

Each expert was recruited for a maximum of 119 man days. The two experts were welcomed today by Dr Steve Surujbally and EU Ambassador to Guyana Robert Kopecký at the start of their assignment. This specific form of EU support to GECOM is part of a long-term Guyana – EU partnership and is not directly related to the current political developments.