The PPP/C needs to be consistent

Jul 06, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

In October 2015, while still claiming the elections they had lost had been rigged (we are still awaiting compelling evidence), the PPP/C called for sweeping electoral reforms. Among their list of demands was – and I quote from their own press release-: “A new voters’ list to be compiled on the basis of a fresh house to house enumeration.” Let’s just state their position again: “A new voters’ list to be compiled on the basis of a fresh house to house enumeration.”
Fast forward three years and the list of electors, minus some tinkering, is now perfectly acceptable to the PPP/C. But how can a list that has gone from 440k voters in 2001 to 572K in 2018, even with a shrinking population, be the basis for a credible election?
Elections in Guyana are not ordinary, given the unfortunate historical ethnic tensions. There is never a time for a rushed affair which could result in a disputed outcome that might plunge the nation into political turmoil. The average citizen, the business community…even a victorious PPP/C would not wish for that. I think that is President Granger’s primary concern in his being consistent that there must be a new list compiled through house to house registration. After all, it’s the same position as the PPP/C back in 2015.
Guyanese are a proud people. We respect the CCJ but a legal solution is a crude fix for what is a political problem, and may do more harm than good. Instead, I urge the political leaders to agree to have Gecom work as quickly as possible to register everyone – after all it’s only 400k plus voters – and hold a credible election that truly reflects the will of the people and can be accepted by all parties.
That will be the basis for a secure and stable future.
Yours sincerely
Albert Russell

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