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Georgetown, Guyana — The Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Retired Justice Claudette Singh, addressed accusations of bias and clarified the agency’s hiring practices during a press conference on November 22, 2024. Singh firmly denied allegations that her decisions favor the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), highlighting her independent judgment as guided by GECOM’s statutory authority.
“I have the casting vote,” Singh explained. “When the commissioners are tied, I make my own decisions. It’s not about voting for the PPP.” She noted that in instances requiring her tie-breaking vote, she evaluates the merit of each case independently.
The GECOM Chair also provided insights into key hiring decisions that have faced public scrutiny. Singh highlighted her rationale for selecting Vishnu Persaud as Chief Election Officer (CEO), citing his extensive experience and a strong recommendation from a former GECOM chairperson. “I found him to be the most suitable candidate due to his experience with proportional representation systems,” Singh remarked.
Other appointments, including Melanie Marshall as Voter Registration Manager and Delon Clarke as Logistics Director, were similarly justified. Singh described how each hire was based on specific qualifications, relevant expertise, and practical contributions to GECOM’s operations.
“Marshall’s proven track record and hands-on approach made her an obvious choice,” Singh stated. Regarding Clark, she praised his crisis management during a logistical mishap during the 2023 Local Government Elections. Singh said another hire, Nardeo Persaud, Voter and Civic Education Manager, edged out other candidates because of his cumulative teaching experience.
Singh also addressed the broader controversy over alleged partisanship in GECOM’s operations. She dismissed claims of systemic bias, reiterating GECOM’s commitment to neutrality and adherence to legal frameworks. “We cannot act beyond our statutory authority,” she emphasized, referencing previous court rulings that have guided the Commission’s work.
The press conference also touched on electoral reform, with Singh confirming ongoing discussions about the introduction of biometric voter identification. However, she maintained that GECOM would not proceed with consultations until an internal consensus is reached on the feasibility study.
“We must have a clear position before engaging stakeholders,” Singh noted, underscoring GECOM’s methodical approach to reform.
With the 2025 General and Regional Elections on the horizon, Singh reassured the public of GECOM’s readiness, while advocating for trust in its impartiality and operational integrity.
