FITUG says Lowenfield must be removed, electoral process concluded

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) yesterday said that the antics of the Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield have demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt that he cannot be expected to discharge his functions in an impartial and fair manner.

“By his very actions, he has undermined the trust placed in him as he has taken on, inexplicably, a partisan demeanour. Whatever are his motivation/s, they ought not to supersede our democracy and the will of the Guyanese people. It is against this background that, we of the FITUG join the many voices to call for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to act proactively and have Mr Lowenfield, without further delay, removed from his post. He must no longer have anything to do with the electoral process which has dragged on for more than four (4) months now. His actions certainly have contributed to the state-of-affairs we have found ourselves in”, the trade union body declared.

It noted that Lowenfield has refused, on more than one occasion, to comply with clear instructions, communicated to him in writing by the GECOM Chair and cannot seek to shield himself by an imagined constitutional cloak.

“This clearly does not exist and he is subordinate to the GECOM and, therefore, is required to comply with every lawful instruction given to him. Our laws are very clear on the consequences of refusal to comply with lawful instructions. Mr Lowenfield as an administrator, for many years, would, undoubtedly, be familiar with these repercussions”, FITUG added.

It said that the electoral process has gone on for far too long and there is no obstacle that prevents GECOM from taking decisive action and declaring the results in keeping with the results of the National Recount.

“No other result is acceptable … We urge in the coming hours that a competent and impartial Chief Election Officer be appointed and prepare the results paving the way for declaration in keeping with the National Recount”, FITUG added.