….first-time voters anxious to exercise their democratic right
AS the populate prepares to cast ballots today, many are praying for a peaceful and violence-free election as they make their way to their various polling stations to vote for the political party of their choice.
Raquel Bacchus, a first-time voter, noted that she is elated to be voting for the first time since she recently celebrated her 18th birthday in October of last year and is now eligible to exercise her democratic right as a proud citizen of Guyana.
However, Bacchus is hoping for a smooth and clean election across Guyana. She added that she is hoping that after elections everything remains calm and whichever political party is elected into government remains true to their manifesto and policies.
“I just hope that this election brings about some change and unity and I hope the next government stick to their plans and help this country to go forward,” the young voter stated.
Another first-time voter, Roxanne Austin, noted that she is anxious to cast her ballot; however, she noted that the anticipation is tense given all the fuss that was made by politicians.
Nevertheless, the young voter is enthusiastic that Guyanese will put aside their political affiliations and remain respectful to each other so that the country will see a peaceful and violence-free election for the year 2020.
Meanwhile some of the older stalwarts expressed similar hopes for elections day 2020.
Kalawatie Singh, a store owner, noted that she is keeping a positive mind for elections and is praying that Guyanese everywhere respect each other’s choice and keep the peace during and after the elections. Singh’s convenience store is considered as a melting pot in the rural community of Nootenzuil and as such, she noted it is a pity that politics tend to divide Guyanese.
“If we can celebrate for Mashramani and cricket together, why we can’t get along during election time? After election we still got to live together… we got to work together and be cooperative… this racism thing needs to done,” Singh stated.
Troy Adams, a fruit vendor, noted that he will come out early in the morning and set up his stand to catch some early morning customers. However he will make his way to his polling station around midday time when he believes there will not be a crowd.
Despite the heckling and vulgar remarks from supporters from the major political parties, Adams stated that he is hopeful that persons will remain calm and keep the peace during the day and after.
Judith Lepps stated that given Guyana’s history, she is praying for the best and hoping that persons remain calm during elections day and the days leading up to the results.
“I am praying that everything goes smooth on elections day…I am praying for all of Guyana,” the pensioner stated.
Meanwhile, United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann Lynch, said there is great interest in Washington for free and fair elections here and she urged all parties to accept the results.
In a terse statement on Saturday, Lynch said all eyes are on Guyana this week. “I just returned from the worldwide U.S. Ambassador’s conference in Washington and there is great interest in free, fair and peaceful Guyanese elections on March 2.”
“I encourage all registered voters to exercise their franchise in a peaceful manner and to allow others to do the same. Good luck to all the parties. After the people of Guyana have spoken, the United States stands ready to work with the next democratically-elected administration, and I encourage all parties to respect the outcome,” the ambassador said.
Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_e-paper_3-1-2020