GECOM must enforce Code of Conduct surrounding recount and assert its authority

May 03, 2020 Eye on Guyana with Lincoln Lewis, Features / Columnists

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All things being equal the National Recount should start this week. The journey, while having some hiccups, the fact that we have been able to come this far, Guyana can be proud. This is in spite of the unsavoury incidents, attack on innocent school children, storming the Elections Commission (Ashmin’s Building), the protest in West Coast Berbice and others, that threatened our stability,
This fledgling democracy is growing. We are learning to resolve differences through peaceful means. This is not to say there are not forces at work that would prefer to and are doing their darndest to prevent the progressive steps we are making and must, out of necessity for our collective well-being, continue to make.
Some have grown skeptical or frustrated that after 60 days there has been no final declaration of the March 2 General and Regional Elections and a new government not sworn in. Whereas some see this as a crying shame on Guyana and hold the view the process is taking too long, lest it be forgotten, this is a first for young Guyana and we must feel nothing but pride. I remain confident Guyana we can do it.
The United States of America (USA), considered the bastion of democracy and a superpower, is not unfamiliar with dispute at every stage of the electoral process. In this First World country, it took 56 days before the 2000 Presidential Election was resolved. This is so even with all the technologies and resources at their fingertips. Noted, they did not have to deal with aggressive unprofessional observers, interference, disruption and a global pandemic.
Unlike Guyana the USA was spared such acts of destabilisation, colossal misrepresentation affecting its sovereignty and national interest. The people in a more civilized manner allow the system to operate and the opposition put country first, not allowing the crisis to go over and beyond.
Guyana has in place a system that has served for more than five elections. The system should be allowed to work and the chips fall where they may, instead of efforts to bully people into accepting what is not right and runs contrary to our laws. As a reminder, the Code of Conduct for International Election Observers speaks to principles such as- Maintain [ing] Strict Political Impartiality at All Times; and Do Not Obstruct [the] Election Processes.
It is observed during this election cycle there was no media monitoring unit that could have spoken out and allow for those in breach of the Code of Conduct to be held accountable. The absence of this created a wild free for all where persons and institutions felt they could do and say as they please. Even political parties that signed a code of conduct were without media oversight to ensure conformity and critique when they stepped out of line.
This is the chaotic environment within which GECOM has been functioning and tasked responsibility to ensure the preservation of our electoral processes. This has been no easy ship to captain and at the end of this very few people of quality will want to accept this position, after what is presently taking place. Those which such responsibility at this time must be commended.
As GECOM enters this new phase there will continue to be outside forces dictating what must happen and also driving the narrative. While it is disappointing but not surprising to read the statement alluded to Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee that she “remained unimpressed by the resort to court for a legal review of the Guyana Elections Commission’s previous attempt to conduct a CARICOM-supervised recount of the ballots based on an informal agreement between President David Granger and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo,” it epitomizes our problem (an online news outfit, 1st May- Canada pays for CARICOM’s team of scrutineers for Guyana’s vote recount). The continued disrespect for our laws is herein recognised.
GECOM having witnessed and fallen prey to these machinations must intensify its effort at fearless independence and not submit to intimidation. For democracy to stand GECOM cannot afford to fail. It would be naïve to assume this recount phase of the electoral process will not be without challenges given what we have seen so far and the continuous effort of undermining GECOM’s credibility, the judiciary and our laws.
GECOM must enforce the Code of Conduct surrounding the recount. It must assert its authority in ensuring the security of the ballot boxes, the safety and security of the workers in the COVID-19 environment and from being targeted by reckless forces.
Having followed the news and kept my ears to the ground, the vitriol gives rise to concern for the safety of the workers participating in the counting exercise. No administrative effort or action must be spared to ensure their well-being. At this stage to ask that the rhetoric be toned down would not still the voices of those who have trafficked and revel in recklessness and hate-filled conduct. GECOM has to assume the responsibility of the workers’ safety and be assured of our support.
The coming days must record some of Guyana’s finest moments. The nation has been advised the recount would take 25 days, subject to adjustment as the activities unfold. It is expected Guyanese will give GECOM the space and respect to conclude its work free from interference or subversion. Guyana looks forward for a peaceful recount from Regions One -Ten.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

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