– Gov’t never interfered with GECOM
GUYANA’S Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), Dr.Riyad lnsanally bas firmly stated that “Guyana is a democratic nation and intends lo remain so”.
Dr. lnsanally spoke on Wednesday, during a meeting of the OAS Permanent Council. His remark came after fom1er Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Hon. Bruce Golding, who was the Head of the OAS observer mission to Guyana for its March 2, General and Regional Elections, reported alleged fraud during the elections.
Mr. Golding, while presenting his report, departed from his prepared statement to add further comments to his claims. Nevertheless, Guyana’s Ambassadors to the OAS thanked the observer mission for its presence in Guyana for the March 2nd Elections.
“We thank the Chief of Mission, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Most Hon. Bruce Golding for his report. Likewise, we thank Secretary General Luis Almagro and officials of the General Secretariat, in particular, the department of electoral corporation and observation for their support of our electoral process and their engagement during a difficult time for our country,” Dr. lnsanally stated.
Adding that, as recognized by the OAS Elections Observer Mission and other international observers, the general and regional elections on March 2nd 2020 was free, fair and orderly and conducted according to the laws of Guyana. Dr. lnsanaiiy acknowledged that after March 2nd, there were developments regarding the elections which caused a delay in an official declaration of the results and lead to His Excellency President David Granger and the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, agreeing to a recount of votes cast in the elections, with a CARJCOM team leading the observation process.
However, he noted that the process was delayed further by legal challenges which have now added significantly to the jurisprudence related to Guyana’s electoral laws and procedures, and which serve the purpose of removing legal impediments to the recount. “This is evidence Mr. Chairman, that Guyana remains governed by the rule of law, with full respect for the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. Indeed, there has been no breakdown in the rule of law or public order in Guyana.” He urged the OAS to note the following facts; that the electoral process is managed by the Guyana elections commission (GECOM), that it is an independent body constitutionally charged to conduct and supervised the elections and that the executive branch of government has never tried to influence, interfere with or instruct GECOM.
‘The President attempted, with the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition to find a way forward by inviting CARJCOM to support a recount by GECOM. At all times the executive branch, GECOM and indeed all stakeholders have been respectful of the rulings of the courts,” the Guyana Ambassador stated.
He said while the electoral process is not yet complete, once the recount is finalised, the results will be cleared in accordance with the law, paving the way for the swearing-in of a president.
This be noted bas been repeatedly stated by President Granger. Dr. Insanally also made dear that in spite of COVID-19, the recount bas begun.
Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_16_05_2020