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Georgetown, Guyana — “It is untenable for her to remain in office,” declared Nigel Hughes, Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), during the party’s press conference on December 6, 2024, calling for the immediate resignation of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh. Hughes’s statement reignites a political battle over GECOM’s credibility ahead of the 2025 elections.
Hughes lambasted Singh’s tenure, referencing recent controversies, including an alleged error by GECOM that allowed the unqualified Dr. Asha Kissoon to take a seat in Parliament. “GECOM could not have conspired with anybody else to put themselves in this position,” Hughes asserted, adding, “Madam Justice Singh should resign in the best interest of this nation and its democratic integrity.”
The AFC leader emphasized the importance of public trust in GECOM as Guyana prepares for elections, criticizing Singh’s decision to stay in office despite mounting opposition calls for her resignation. “Every other political party, other than the government, says they have lost confidence in her,” Hughes remarked, framing the situation as a national crisis of electoral confidence.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, speaking a day earlier, mounted a robust defense of Singh, condemning what he called the “audacious demonization” of GECOM. He accused opposition parties and fringe organizations of orchestrating attacks to discredit the electoral body.
“This is orchestrated,” Jagdeo asserted. “They aim to destroy GECOM’s credibility, so they can cast doubts on any elections conducted by GECOM.” He labeled the attacks on Singh as “patently unfair” and accused opposition groups of undermining trust in democratic processes.
Jagdeo dismissed calls for Singh’s resignation, framing them as a ploy by opposition parties to create chaos and instability ahead of elections. “Their intent is to destroy her credibility, hoping to cast shadows over the 2025 electoral process,” he said.
The standoff between Hughes and Jagdeo has escalated into a broader debate about the future of electoral oversight in Guyana. Hughes cited GECOM’s admission of errors and the lack of public trust as justification for Singh’s resignation. “We cannot afford to become the laughingstock of the Caribbean, where people who aren’t entitled to be in Parliament are allowed to remain,” he said, calling GECOM’s credibility the cornerstone of fair elections.
In contrast, Jagdeo argued that the criticisms of Singh were part of a broader strategy to destabilize the political environment. “If they succeed in destroying GECOM’s credibility, it’s the nation’s democracy that will pay the price,” he said.
The AFC has vowed to continue its campaign for electoral reform and Singh’s resignation, framing the issue as critical to ensuring free and fair elections.
