CHALLENGING THE ELECTIONS!

Sep 28, 2016 Editorial

The PPP was ousted from office by the electorate after 23 years in power, but it does not mean that it is powerless. As the main opposition party, it is a very important organ of the state that holds the government accountable when appropriate.
Despite the accusations of being corrupt, greedy, vindictive and selfish, the PPP was narrowly defeated by just one seat and by only 4,506 votes in the last election. Having 32 seats in Parliament means that the cooperation of the PPP is needed to pass Bills that require more than the bare majority of 33 votes.
Unfortunately, as the main opposition, the PPP has set a very dangerous precedent by challenging the election results and by asking the court to declare the election null and void.
The May 11, 2015 election was presided by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). It was declared fair by that body, and by international observers who observed the voting process.
It seems that the PPP is behaving like sore losers, but that is to be expected, especially after being removed from power. It has been very difficult for Mr. Jagdeo and company to give up power without a fight.
However, challenging the election in court after the results have been certified by GECOM is not a light matter. It could be seen as questioning the efficiency and honesty of GECOM and the people who voted for change. The PPP claim that the elections were rigged in favour of the opposition does not make sense since the results were verified by GECOM.
Further, how could the opposition rig the election when all the election instruments and security were under its control? Depending on the reasons provided to the court, the government could be brought into disrepute if the court deemed the election null and void. Should this happen, the government could appeal to a higher court, give up power; or call a new election.
Whatever is the outcome of the court’s decision, the PPP has introduced an element of uncertainty to the electoral system and to governance which the nation can do without given the poor state of the economy, joblessness, high crime rate and the level of homelessness and poverty in the country.
The focus should be on how to improve the ailing sugar industry, the rice industry which faces a bleak future and bauxite production which is at its lowest level.
The closing of the Wales Sugar Factory will lead to a lower production of sugar, the unemployment of about 1500 employees and a negative economic impact on the country.
There is no doubt that the decision of GECOM to declare the election in favour of the coalition was based on the results from the various districts in the ten regions. The polling districts were supervised by members from each political party.
Therefore any rigging of the election had to occur in the presence of the representatives.
There might have been little hiccups here and there but not enough to change the results of the election or warrant a court challenge. Many believe that the intention of the PPP was to promote confusion among the people.
In spite of the actions taken by the PPP, the government continues to govern in the interest of all, even though it faces several challenges on the economy, job creation, crime reduction and the border dispute with Venezuela.
Even though it proved difficult for the government to find solutions to these problems, it continues to make promises to the people.

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