GECOM’s decision is final – Granger

GEORGETOWN (CMC):

PRESIDENT DAVID Granger on Sunday reiterated that his administration is ready to accept the final declarations of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) after the national recount of the March 2 general and regional elections is completed.

The national recount is currently ongoing and is being overlooked by a three-member high-level team from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The team has been asked to be a ‘third party’ in the recount process, which is seeking to determine the credibility of the March 2 polls.

Speaking with journalists following his visit to the recount centre Sunday morning, Granger again said that GECOM is a constitutional body, and just as he and his government have done in the past, he will accept the decisions of the commission.

“The elections commission is a constitutional authority and I am doing everything possible to ensure that constitutional authority discharges its functions. I cannot speculate about an outcome, of which I am not aware. The commission has the authority and I cannot envisage a situation in which I could counter or ignore the rulings of GECOM.”

The head of state was being questioned on his plans after the declaration, especially since the ongoing process has unearthed major discrepancies in the ballot boxes from opposition strongholds.

He maintained that he will stand with any decision by the commission.

“As president of Guyana and leader of the government, it is my policy that any declaration coming from the chairman of GECOM will be accepted by the government of Guyana. I have always said that I will await the declaration of GECOM. Whatever declaration is made by the chairman of the elections commission will be regarded as legitimate.”