New Chair of Guyana Elections Commission sworn in

President Granger reiterated that the appointment of Justice Singh fulfils the mandate of the Constitution of Guyana and also satisfies the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ) ruling.

(Department of Public Information) The first female chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was on Monday morning officially sworn in by His Excellency, President David Granger.

Justice Claudette Singh SC, CCH received her instruments of office in the Rupununi Room at the Ministry of the Presidency. Witnessing this historic ceremony were senior ministers and government officials, Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Bharat Jagdeo, members of the opposition, and GECOM commissioners, among other guests.

The swearing-in was described as “a good day for the Republic of Guyana” by the Head of State. In remarks, he asserted, out of the list of names submitted by the Leader of the Opposition, Justice Singh satisfied the criteria for the appointment.

“That is to say, the chairman of the elections commission shall be a person who holds or has held the office of a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth, or a Court of Appeal or any such court or qualified to be appointed as a judge,” President Granger explained.

He further emphasised that the elections commission is not a “plaything”.

“Its independence is a condition that will generate confidence and public trust in the elections system and for the efficient conduct of general elections.”

According to the Head of State, Guyana’s Constitution mandates that elections should be independently supervised.

Read more at: Department of Public Information

Source: CARICOM TODAY