Businessman Dr. Terrence Campbell has called for the resignation of retired Justice Claudette Singh as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), citing her inability to effectively manage the electoral process, particularly the long-delayed implementation of biometrics.
In an interview with Village Voice News, Campbell expressed concerns over the dysfunction at GECOM as Guyana prepares for General and Regional Elections, constitutionally due later this year. He believes Singh is no longer capable of handling the responsibilities of the position and should step down to preserve her integrity.
“I think retired Justice Claudette Singh is beyond her prime and not capable of carrying out the onerous responsibility of being Chairman of GECOM at this time,” Campbell stated. “She should do the honourable thing and resign.”
Campbell criticised GECOM for its failure to implement biometric voter registration, despite knowing about the demand for such a system for over five years. He emphasised the need for GECOM to act swiftly to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections while reducing the risk of fraud and social unrest.
Addressing GECOM’s constitutional autonomy, Campbell explained that the commission does not need to wait on government approval to modernise its electoral processes. He argued that GECOM could directly approach the government to secure the necessary resources for biometric implementation.
When asked whether the upcoming elections should proceed without biometrics, Campbell firmly disagreed. “No,” he replied. “This is Guyana’s most important election, and it must be credible. We need a result that satisfies all Guyanese.”
Campbell, who also serves as the Opposition Member on the National Resource Fund Committee, stated that if legislation is required to implement biometrics, it could be achieved in a short time. He suggested that if the elections need to be delayed for a few months to allow for the introduction of biometrics, it would be worth the wait. “Let it be,” he said.
Regarding Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s changing stance on biometrics, Campbell was critical of Jagdeo’s flip-flopping, attributing it to his desire to maintain power rather than the welfare of the country. He noted that when Jagdeo was Leader of the Opposition, he advocated for electoral reforms, including the implementation of biometrics and a clean voters’ list. However, since the PPP has returned to Government, Jagdeo’s position on the matter has shifted, with government-nominated GECOM commissioners following his lead.
Campbell suggested that if Jagdeo was truly committed to reform, he would have pressured the PPP commissioners on GECOM to push for the implementation of these changes. “Jagdeo’s flip-flopping is driven by the desire to seek and hold on to power, not about the welfare of Guyana,” Campbell said.
Campbell also urged the Opposition to intensify and internationalise their demands for biometrics and other electoral reforms. He recalled a similar strategy used by former PPP leader Dr. Cheddi Jagan and advised the Opposition to “take a page from Dr. Jagan’s book” to strengthen their position.
His calls for reform align with those of civil society organisations, including the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), which have also advocated for the immediate implementation of biometrics to ensure credible elections.
