With General and Regional Elections approaching, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has assured stakeholders that it is ready to conduct free, fair, transparent, and credible elections later this year.
In a statement on Thursday, GECOM reassured the public that it is committed to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The Commission urged stakeholders to be vigilant against individuals attempting to undermine public confidence in its work. This reassurance comes amidst accusations aimed at discrediting GECOM and its key management staff, appointed after the contentious 2020 elections.
The 2020 elections were marred by attempts from the then APNU/AFC coalition to disrupt the process, resulting in a five-month impasse before results were declared. Several GECOM officials have since faced legal proceedings for their roles in those events, with cases still pending in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Despite these challenges, the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has expressed full confidence in GECOM’s ability to deliver credible elections, which are anticipated to take place in November.
Dr Jagdeo Dismisses Attacks on GECOM
At a press conference on Thursday, PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo condemned the attacks on GECOM as baseless attempts to undermine its credibility. He reiterated that the PPP has always supported free and fair elections and intends to campaign on its track record and promise delivery.
“They expressed concerns about instability and how it could affect their well-being and those working with them. And I pointed out that they should have no concerns about the PPP stoking any instability or any violence surrounding the elections… We don’t want anyone to do what the PPP wants. We want GECOM to act lawfully and in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana,” Dr Jagdeo stated.
Unlike the Opposition, Dr Jagdeo also emphasized that his party does not engage in divisive politics. “We’re the only multi-ethnic party in this country… because there was a fear that the divisive rhetoric will cause polarisation as we get closer to the elections. I assured people we have no interest in that. We’re trying to unite people together… and our plans are for Guyana,” he added.
PPP Meets with Private Sector Stakeholders
Dr Jagdeo recently met with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to discuss the upcoming elections. The PSC reaffirmed its support for a free and transparent electoral process, emphasizing its importance to Guyana’s democratic stability and socio-economic progress.
“Free, fair, and transparent elections are pivotal to the nation’s stability, economic progress, and the preservation of citizens’ constitutional rights. The PSC stands ready to engage with all stakeholders to ensure the integrity and inclusivity of the electoral process,” the Commission stated.
The PSC also called on all political parties, civil society, and the international community to uphold their roles in fostering a secure electoral environment.
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo met with key private sector stakeholders, including prominent businessmen Mr. Eddy Boyer, Chairman of National Hardware, and his son, Nicholas Boyer, who leads the thriving Onshore Business. Other stakeholders also participated in the discussions, sharing their aspirations and perspectives with Dr. Jagdeo, highlighting the private sector’s pivotal role in Guyana’s continued growth and development.
Government to Ensure Security
Addressing concerns over security during the electoral period, Dr Jagdeo assured the business community that the Government is committed to maintaining peace. “The Government is also going to address the question of security robustly to ensure the people of this country can exercise their constitutional right to select a government freely and fairly in a manner that will not lead them to be intimidated or cause violence to suppress their votes,” he explained.
The PPP has pledged to maintain stability and unity with the elections approaching. It will campaign on its achievements and vision for all Guyanese while rejecting divisive politics.
The irony is staggering: the PNC and AFC are now pretending to stand for fairness and integrity while their history is riddled with blatant election rigging. These are the same parties that have repeatedly undermined democracy in Guyana, with PNC leaders openly admitting that they cannot win without rigging elections. Geriatric Hamilton Green himself advised Afro-Guyanese to engage in such tactics—a damning indictment of their approach to governance.
How dare these two parties to lecture the PPP about free and fair elections when their track record, dating back to Burnham, is one of manipulation and deceit? Guyanese people are far too intelligent to fall for their hypocrisy. The voters of Guyana will not give them another opportunity to subvert democracy.
Let Aubrey Norton and Nigel Hughes understand this clearly: Guyana is a proud, multiracial society, not an Afro-Guyanese enclave. The sooner they accept this reality, the better for everyone.