Georgetown: Former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud who had served the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for 17 years was on Tuesday hired as its CEO.
He took two oaths, one before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. One for the position as CEO and a second Oath before Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George where he officially became Commissioner of Registration.
Persaud, 60, of Wakenaam on the Essequibo Coast said preparation for Local Government Elections (LGE) is his priority along with rebuilding the trust and confidence in the electoral system.
The new CEO assured of adhering to laws and policies while carrying out his duties taking into consideration the deviations by the disgraced former CEO Keith Lowenfield who is currently before the courts on several charges related to electoral fraud.
During his almost five years away, he said he kept abreast with electoral matters and also increased his capacity through education.
He said he now intends to visit departments within the secretariat but insisted that his experience was important to get his work off the ground.
Persaud, after a highly contested period of shortlisting candidates, was eventually named to the post last Friday afternoon. Three-government nominated GECOM commissioners voted for his appointment while the three opposition nominated commissioners voted against him.
The chair of the Elections Commission, Justice Retired Claudette Singh then cast the deciding vote.
You must be logged in to post a comment.