Latest update December 25th, 2024 1:10 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

A recount is necessary to resolve whatever question exists

May 12, 2020 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

The National Recount exercise allows for this nation to resolve whatever question exists about the election process in a peaceful manner. This is necessary in order for a peaceful outcome. The Order gazetted by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on 4th May, 2020 to realise this exercise must be executed to the letter.
Refer to https://www.gecom.org.gy/assets/docs/Press_Releases/2020/Gazetted_Order_Recount_5May2020.pdf
Any deviation from the Order could not only create legal challenges but chaos in the process and undermine the confidence the electorate vests in GECOM to bring closure to the 2020 General and Regional Elections. It has not escaped attention efforts on the part of persons to seek to deviate from the Order. The Commission, in part or whole, cannot be caught seeking to compromise the process, irrespective of what may likely to be revealed now or in future. The same goes for the Secretariat.
Observing from a distance it is not lost on me efforts by political forces, notably Anil Nandlall, wanting to dictate the direction GECOM should or should not go in spite of an existing legal document that guides the present operation. Further, his insistence that the recount must only be about the ballot and not all the Order provides for should not be condoned.
The Commission headed by Justice Claudette Singh and Secretariat by Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield must stand firm. For singularly and together they will be held accountable by the people for ensuring strict compliance to the Order. It cannot be over emphasised that for democracy to stand GECOM cannot fail.
Friday evening when one watched Commissioner Sase Gunraj’s uncalled for behaviour and disrespect to the media corps when a member dared ask a question pertaining to the Order and whether compliance is being observed is troubling. What is the reason for him being this belligerent? Is it to give the impression that he is victim, fighting, angry, desperate or is part of an intimidatory tactic of anyone who dares to question? Is he saying, don’t ask any question, don’t challenge the accuracy of anything he says because he is the commissioner and lawyer and whatever he says should be accepted as gospel and reported as such?
The media have a right to question particularly when they have access to information (as per gazetted order) and are being told something different. Their role is to bring us the information as the process unfolds, to interview persons and ask questions consistent with the events at hand. As society’s watchdog, they must continue to discharge their duties fearlessly. These workers must continue to seek truth from members of the commission and secretariat, and all who present themselves to be interviewed.
GECOM doesn’t work for the political parties. GECOM works for all of us and we must all ensure the agency does what’s right by us. GECOM must remain an independent arbiter on behalf of the people and ensure the completion of the present exercise consistent with the Order.
As an aside, it is noticed some persons while being interviewed are displaying disregard for COVID-19 safety precautions by removing their masks or not properly wearing them (covering the nose and mouth). They ought to know better. In this environment and risk associated with spread of this deadly virus, this is not the time for vanity. It is also disrespecting to self and others to remove your mask for you not only heighten the chance of contracting and spreading the virus but putting at risk the lives of those who are obeying the safety precautions.

Lincoln Lewis

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

The wait is over, all roads lead to KMTC for their Grand Boxing Day Horse race meet

The wait is over, all roads lead to KMTC for their Grand Boxing Day...

Dec 25, 2024

Over 70 entries in as $7M in prizes at stake  By Samuel Whyte Kaieteur Sports- The time has come and the wait is over and its gallop time as the biggest event for the year-end season is set for the...
Read More
Xhiya Hercules – flipping the script towards Gymnastics history for Guyana

Xhiya Hercules – flipping the script towards...

Dec 25, 2024

Road Warriors, Bent Street, Team Cruel & Gold Is Money into quarter-finals

Road Warriors, Bent Street, Team Cruel &...

Dec 25, 2024

Deol maiden hundred outshines Matthews’ as India take series

Deol maiden hundred outshines Matthews’ as...

Dec 25, 2024

Moraikobai village two days football competition and fun day set for Old and New Year’s Day

Moraikobai village two days football competition...

Dec 25, 2024

BCB thanks cricket fraternity for strong support in 2024

BCB thanks cricket fraternity for strong support...

Dec 25, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]