I share the view that the recount can be done in less than two weeks

Apr 23, 2020 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

Guyanese are becoming increasingly tired and impatient over the prolonged delay by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to have a final declaration of the results of the March 2 General and Regional Elections.
The most recent statement by the Chairman of GECOM that the body is now awaiting a response from the Caricom Secretariat before a date for the recount can be announced appeared as yet another ploy to further delay the recounting process.
It is unfortunate that Caricom is now being used as the ‘scapegoat’ to delay the recount given the firm and unequivocal stance it has taken on the issue of free, transparent and credible elections. It is indeed a sad reflection on the state of democracy in Guyana. We are the only country in the region with so many foreign observers to watch over our elections inclusive of Caricom which intervened on two separate ocassions in our elections since the return of democracy in 1992. Interestingly, Trinidad and Tobago which has a similar ethnographic make-up have managed to hold elections which were generally accepted as free and fair by the contesting parties.
The relevant question is why are we singled out as the ‘black sheep’ in the region when it comes to democratic elections. The simple answer is that there is a reluctance by the PNC to play by the rules of the electoral contest unless the results of the elections are in its favour. This approach by the PNC has tarnished the reputation of Guyana as a democratic state which could have far-reaching consequences for the country and its people.
We already have to contend with the debilitating effects of Covid-19 and falling oil prices. The economic outlook appears dismal. The dreaded ‘resource curse’ seems to descend on us much earlier than anticipated.
The only way out of our current gloomy situation is to have a duly-elected government in place within the shortest possible time based on free, fair and credible elections. Such a government will enjoy the support and confidence of the international community which is necessary for investors’ confidence and our fledgling tourism sector.
I join with the several others in the call for the recount to be done without any further delay and for a duly elected President and Cabinet to be sworn in within a matter of days. I share the view advanced by the political opposition that the recount can be done in less than two weeks taking everything into consideration including Covid-19.

Hydar Ally

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