Caricom should be the umpire to implement the CCJ’s orders

Jul 15, 2019 Features / Columnists, Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
The CCJ final orders emphasised that the constitution which deals with the consequences of the passage of such a motion should be strictly followed, while the process of the appointment of a GECOM chairman must be done with utmost importance to ensure that Guyana remains a democratic state. Unfortunately, because of President David Granger and his reluctance to appoint an impartial GECOM Chair, that would be independent and competent to manage the elections per the provision of the electoral laws, GECOM remains non- functional.
The President, it would seem, is bent on ensuring that his choice (perhaps a person who will take instructions from him) would be the results in any process or negotiations. The Opposition Leader, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, must ensure that he does not concede to any process or negotiations that will give President Granger an opportunity to select a GECOM Chair who would “dance to the president’s tune”.
We must be convinced that the basic single description of an election, which meets universally recognised electoral and human rights standards contained in the universally- recognised International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Article 25 (b) “genuine periodic elections…guaranteeing the free expression of the will of the electors”. Therefore, based on this evidence, the issue of house-to-house registration is not necessary but the “claims and objections” is mandatory to ensure every elector is guarantee an opportunity to vote in the elections.
The most troubling and worrisome consequence that is prevalent is the prolonged silence of Caricom, that is a clear indication that Caricom is tolerating the APNU/AFC Coalition Government disrespect and disregard for the constitution. The last instance that Caricom intervened, the accord that was formed, rewarded the PNC for demonstrating to the people that if you lose by a set of rules that the PNC themselves had drafted, you simply seize the umpire and demand new rules which will guarantee PNC victory.
Caricom must intervene now so as to not allow the current situation to escalate to what obtained during the period of the post 1997 elections. Caricom’s refusal to intervene must not be seen as being supportive of the APNU/AFC Coalition Government constitutional breaches.