By Kurt Campbell
![New GECOM Commissionr, Athmaram Mangal (left), President Ramotar and Dr. Surujbally. [iNews' Photo]](https://i0.wp.com/www.inewsguyana.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/GECOM-2.jpg)
Mangal, who will be representing the Government on the Commission, will be joining five others along with the Chairman to run the body; he replaces Attorney – at – Law Jaya Manichand who recently resigned from the post.
During the ceremony, President Ramotar while congratulating Mangal noted the importance of the Commission and its ability to function at its maximum.
He urged the new commissioner to ensure the work of the Commission is at the forefront as he moves to improve the democratic institutions of the country.
Meanwhile, the newly sworn in Commissioner expressed his confidence in functioning in the position noting his previous involvement in similar posts. “It is a policy post so I expect to be making some policies as well, I can deal with it, at least that’s the area in which I’m comfortable,” he told reporters.
The other commissioners are Vincent Alexander, C. Corbin, Dandra Jones, Keshav Mangal and Mohamood Shaw.
Mangal’s appointment coincides with GECOM’s search for a new Chief Elections Officer.
According to Chairman of the Commission Dr. Steve Surijbally, the Commission has received several applications for the post and will get together soon to shortlist the candidates.
He said after they would have selected the more competent applicants they will move to conduct interviews and the finally select the new CEO.
Dr. Surijbally said there are 14 applications in total of which three are international.
