Representatives of the AFC and GAP today met with members of the Elections Commission to discuss issues of concern to their Parties. Observing, at the invitation of the Parties and GECOM’s Chairman, was Chairman of the Private Sector Commission.
Among other issues, the Parties expressed concern at the continuing contentious relationship between the AFC and GECOM; GECOM’s flawed interpretation of the Election Laws (Amendment) Act 10 of 2009 regarding its engagements with the AFC and GAP/ROAR; and the inadequacy of notice given to the Parties of significant initiatives such as mobilization of scrutineers for ID card distribution and the lack of consultations on the demarcation of boundaries.
Both sides acknowledged that an improvement in the relationship was desirable and in this regard we note that the Chairman of the Commission expressed a desire to implement certain arrangements such as regular periodic meetings as well as ad-hoc engagements depending on severity of issues under consideration.
The Parties note that though no substantial progress was made on the contentious issues of GECOM’s dealing with the AFC and GAP/ROAR through the PNCR, and the demarcation of boundaries for local government elections, that the Commission undertook to review its modus operandi in this regard. Until the review takes place, and in the absence of a noticeable change, we will continue to view as absolutely unacceptable, GECOM’s practice of engaging the Parliamentary Parties through the PNCR simply because such engagement is deemed administratively convenient, and will not endorse the current demarcation process that has not included all relevant stakeholders.
While being extremely appreciative of the time taken by the Chairman, Commissioners and CEO of GECOM, the Party awaits tangible progress on the issues raised before deeming this engagement a success.
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