EX GDF Major is new CEO of Elections Commission

GEORGETOWN: Ex GDF Major Keith Lowenfield is appointed Chief Elections Officer for the Guyana Elections Commission. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has commenced a search in 2013 for a Chief Election Officer.

According to a GECOM advertisement, applicants for the position had until September 30th of this year to make submissions. The advertisement explains that GECOM was established in 2000 as a permanent autonomous institution empowered to exercise general direction and supervision over the registration of eligible persons under the National Registration Act and the administrative conduct of all elections of members to the National Assembly, Regional Democratic Councils, Municipalities and Neighborhood Democratic Councils.

“The Chief Election Officer is required to play the key leadership role in the Secretariat of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), with responsibility for implementing all aspects of its operations, and ensuring that results achieved are consistent with the laws of Guyana and the policies determined by the Chairman and Commission,” the notice said.

The Commission said that the Chief Election Officer will also act as its primary point of contact to the staff members of the Secretariat, whose activities include the registration of registrants; the distribution of ID Cards; the provision of information and guidance on electoral operational matters to community organisations and other stakeholders.

The new official, the advertisement indicated, will also be required to represent the Commission’s policies and activities in interactions with stakeholders, and other interest groups, including political parties, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), donor and international agencies, in matters relating directly to the operations of GECOM.

Earlier this year, GECOM had started considerations to issue the former Chief Election Officer, Gocool Boodoo, with a new contract, but there were objections from some of the Commissioners. Boodoo moved to the court to block a decision by the Commission, but the matter was thrown out.

The advertisement for a replacement came days after new legislation has been passed in the National Assembly paving the way for Local Government Elections to be held after almost 19 years.