Latest update September 22nd, 2026 10:30 AM
Feb 14, 2019 Letters
The decision by the three Commissioners appointed by the ruling coalition not to attend a meeting with representatives of the Carter Centre does not bode well for the future of democracy in Guyana.
According to media reports, the reason advanced by one Commissioner for not participating in the meeting was that the Carter Centre is a private body and therefore seen as an unnecessary intrusion in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation.
This raises the spectre of ‘a ghost from the past’ when foreign observers to our electoral processes were regarded as ‘unwelcome’ visitors and in some instances were beaten and harassed. Those were the days when the will of the people was thwarted by undemocratic elections. One consequence of the above situation was a breakdown of the political and moral fabric of the country and a crisis of confidence in the then administration.
It would appear from the manner in which both the current administration and GECOM is behaving that we are on the verge of going down that road once again. One can only hope that good sense will prevail and the good of country is placed above narrow partisan interests.
The international community and other stakeholders such as the Carter Centre have a decisive role to play in safeguarding our democracy. Too much is at stake especially given our emerging oil and gas economy. The country cannot be allowed to drift into a state of political instability, which could have a negative impact on the economic and social well-being of the Guyanese people.
Hydar Ally
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Sep 22, 2026
…Hamilton, Dennis star with hat-tricks (Kaieteur News) – The goals came in bunches as Guyana Football Federation’s Season Eight Elite League produced another weekend of attacking football,...Sep 22, 2026
(Kaieteur News) – There are many things Guyana has acquired since the discovery of oil, including wealth, multi-storied buildings, newly built apartments that will remain empty, traffic jams and the sudden appearance of people who have always known how to spend money they never previously had....Sep 20, 2026
By Sir Ronald Sanders (Kaieteur News) – Crime in Latin America and the Caribbean is no longer only a matter for the police. It is weakening societies, draining economies and obstructing development. It is also testing public confidence in courts, governments and democratic institutions. The...Sep 22, 2026
(Kaieteur News) – This is the secular world. Not the space of the spiritual. It’s a world of sometimes subtle, other times, astonishing changes. The areas covered are endless. Filled with the contradictory. Where crimes are covered over (transgressions overlooked). Pursued for the...Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: glennlall2000@gmail.com / kaieteurnews@yahoo.com