Latest update April 18th, 2025 8:12 AM
PNCR rejects “baseless claims” of fraud during internal elections
“This behaviour is highly unsatisfactory for a party that is expected to give leadership to this country,” said Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform, Robert Corbin, of the recent claims of fraud that erupted following the party’s Georgetown District Conference last Sunday.
From left: Chief Whip Lance Carbury; General Secretary, Oscar Clarke and Party Leader, Robert Corbin
Corbin’s disclosure came during a press conference at the party’s Sophia headquarters yesterday, when he emphasised his belief that “unless you have discipline in an organisation, you will have chaos.”
His remarks came on the heels of reports in some sections of the media, alleging that there were irregularities and fraud in the conduct of the elections which was undertaken during the conference.
According to a Stabroek News report “Norton has said the process that saw him voted out of the Georgetown District Chairmanship was fraudulent.” It was noted in the report that he has received a letter from Corbin alleging that he had libelled him in comments made to that newspaper.
Norton was not present at the press conference yesterday, but General Secretary of the Party, Oscar Clarke, after detailing the elections procedure, said that the party rejects the spurious claims that the Georgetown District elections were fraudulent.
He noted that the Central Executive Committee, having discussed the matter requested that he (Clarke) prepare and present an official report on the conference and particularly on the elections which will be addressed at its next meeting on July 15, 2009.
The Returning Officer in the person of Deputy Mayor, Robert Williams has also been requested to provide his report for the consideration of the Committee.
“The Committee has also requested that all those persons who wish to challenge the results of the elections submit their allegations in writing to the General Secretary.”
But according to Clarke, no submissions have yet been received. He said that as soon as the requested reports are available and any complaints have been made and investigated, the party will reveal the results.
In addition, he said that the Committee has discussed and agreed to the course of action to be taken in circumstances where it is satisfied that the leader of the party has been libelled.
So far, Clarke said that he is not aware that any disciplinary proceedings are being brought against Norton.
However, he noted that there are matters that require disciplinary action by the party, and the party will so advise the person or persons concerned unless certain things are done.
But according to Corbin, despite the intrusion of unacceptable behaviours by some persons, the party is still busily engaged in more important issues such as the Local Government Elections.
“That is my focus. Our party has to be focused on what are the issues that should be addressed at a particular time. The focus now is not on a mad power struggle for who should be leader. That is an issue in my opinion that could be determined by members of this party.”
According to Corbin, of greater importance is the way in which the Jagdeo administration has been taking this country, an issue that cannot be addressed “if we waste a lot of time fighting and arguing when we should be concentrating on the real issues that confront this country and I don’t want to be caught up in that kind of diversion.”
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