President Donald Ramotar on Monday swore in Athmaram Mangal as the new commissioner to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), to replace Jaya Manickchand, who resigned a few weeks ago.
Ramotar congratulated the new member of the GECOM team and took the opportunity to reiterate the importance of the commission. He also said there was need for it to function at its maximum. Ramotar said he hopes that the new commissioner will serve the commission with pride and professionalism, maintaining its standards.
The president noted that the new GECOM commissioner is capable of carrying out the function of commissioner and is a suitable replacement for Manickchand.
In his remarks, Mangal said he was prepared to execute his duties with the highest level of professionalism and noted that his area of expertise in management will aid the commission. Mangal added that he has much to offer and will work towards ensuring GECOM continues to offer effective and reliable guidance of the voting process in Guyana.
Manickchand, a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)-appointed commissioner, submitted her resignation a few weeks ago. Manickchand did not state a reason for her resignation, according to reports. She took up office at the commission during March 2012, replacing former Commissioner Moen Mc Doom, who resigned in February 2011. Manickchand is the sister of Education Minister Priya Manickchand, and a PPP/C member and an attorney by profession.
