By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is facing a deepening internal crisis as Opposition-nominated Commissioner Vincent Alexander reveals a six-month “stalemate” that has effectively paralyzed the commission’s work. In a candid interview with Nightly News, Alexander accused Chairperson Retired Justice Claudette Singh of refusing to recognize the portfolios of Opposition commissioners, creating a bizarre administrative limbo where officials are being paid to sit on a commission she reportedly deems “invalid.”
The standoff comes at a critical time as the nation looks toward the 2026 General and Regional Elections, raising urgent questions about the readiness and impartiality of the country’s electoral body.
The “Invalid” Commission?
According to Alexander, the friction reached a peak when Justice Singh allegedly claimed the Commission could not formally function without a sitting Parliament.
- The Quorum Dispute: Alexander noted that even after Parliament convened, the Chair has been reluctant to hold meetings. He cited instances in which meetings were canceled due to a perceived lack of quorum, despite legal provisions allowing reconvening within 48 hours to address attendance issues.
- Remuneration Without Role: A central point of contention is the continued payment of stipends to the Opposition-nominated commissioners. Alexander highlighted the contradiction of the State providing remuneration while the Chairperson simultaneously denies the commissioners the ability to perform their official duties.
- Lack of Recognition: Alexander stated that Singh has effectively ceased recognizing their specific portfolios, a move he describes as a direct blow to the professionalism and impartiality required of her office.
Communication Breakdown
Attempts to bridge the gap between the Chairperson and the Opposition commissioners have reportedly stalled, with a notable shift in the political landscape appearing in the discourse.
- WIN Party Involvement: Justice Singh has reportedly advised the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party—the primary opposition force in this matter—to seek judicial intervention rather than attempting further internal mediation.
- Judicial Overreach? Alexander criticized this approach, suggesting that a functional commission should be able to resolve administrative misunderstandings without defaulting to the court system.
A Growing Threat to 2026 Readiness
The ongoing discord at GECOM raises significant red flags for Guyana’s democratic process. If the commissioners responsible for overseeing the fairness of elections are unable to even agree on the validity of their own meetings, the timeline for the 2026 polls could be in jeopardy. For Vincent Alexander, the current “limbo” is not just an administrative annoyance; it is a systematic undermining of the checks and balances intended to safeguard the Guyanese vote.
