Objective observation, transparency critical to acceptable recount results

May 06, 2020 Letters

Dear Editor,

It would appear that those in charge of the recount are not really interested in producing credible results. There can be no good reason for refusing to allow the Carter Center and the International Republican Institute to observe the recount.
It will therefore only be reasonable for the US Embassy to declare that, since its accredited observers were not allowed to be present to observe and report on this recount, it will reserve the right to decide whether to accept the results of this recount, as the basis of forming the new government.
In the absence of objective observers reporting on the results of the recount, the entire process will be useless. Observers, acting in unity, have the opportunity now to make sure the recount follows a process that will be simple, transparent and without opportunities for confusion, rigging and corruption.
They must insist that the following conditions exist for them to participate:
1. Count only one region at a time.
2. Have present the polling officers from each polling station to open their box and to answer any queries that may come up during the recount, including declaration if the box has been tampered. If there is evidence that any box was tampered, stop the recount.
3. Live stream the recount.
4. No GECOM personnel that was part of the Mingo declaration to be allowed to participate.
5. The Carter Center must be allowed to field an observation team.
It is my position that GECOM can accommodate these conditions. If GECOM wants the results from this process to be recognized, then it must meet these demands.

Yours truly,
Sase Shewnarain

Editor’s Note: As communicated in our reporting, Kaieteur News has repeatedly sought direct clarification from government, through multiple official sources, on the exact reasons for withholding permission for reentry from the observers. None has been given so far, whether relating to continued accreditation or COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

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