The March 2, 2020 Regional and General Elections will go down in our history books as one of the most widely-reported and hotly contested. On March 2, electors took to the polls in what was described as free and fair elections by locals, officials and international observers. The day went off without any notable incidents taking place, but as polling stations closed their doors at 6pm sharp, things started to take a turn off track.
Since then, there have been numerous controversies concerning attempts to circumvent the democratic process. The perpetrators are numerous, and include ordinary citizens, officials, political parties and even Russian spies. On Monday, twelve men were arrested in Alberttown, Georgetown, and it is alleged that they were attempting to remove Statements of Poll from the polling station. It was also alleged that they were aligned with the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic and were seen at numerous polling stations throughout the city, accompanying other officials of said Party. There were also allegations of voter-fraud taking place due to fake ID cards being handed out. Tuesday was relatively quiet, as we learned the results of the elections from Regions throughout the country.
Wednesday saw the hospitalisation of the Returning Officer of Region 4, Clairmont Mingo, who reportedly fell ill during the tabulation of results. This incident became highly politicized, and led to the proliferation of wild conspiracy theories and allegations of election rigging taking place. Since then, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has struggled to maintain control over the process. On Thursday, GECOM announced the long-awaited Region 4 results, however, there are claims that these results lack credibility and transparency, as they were not tabulated in the same way as the other Regions’ results were tabulated and declared.
Thursday saw a disintegration of order within GECOM’s house. Members of the public gathered outside the building, as party after party attended the office, raising numerous concerns regarding the process. Matters came to a head as it was reported that Justice (retired) Claudette Singh, Chairperson of GECOM was barricaded inside her office amid troupes of persons attempting to forcibly gain access to her. The building was eventually cleared and the situation deescalated by the Guyana Police Force.
This week has laid bare many of numerous institutional and societal issues Guyana continues to grapple with as a developing nation. Although the week started out full of promise, we are now firmly within the realm of discontent. However, we must continue to move forward as one people, and one nation amid the uncertainty.
Therefore, citizens are urged to remain peaceful, employ good sense, and continue to be unified. Whatever the outcome of these elections, we must all continue to live and work with each other for the betterment of this nation. Although many would argue that Guyana is a polarised and racially- divided country, more would argue that we are moving beyond that. The process of social cohesion is not one that takes place overnight; it is one that takes generations to accomplish through sustained commitment to creating a happy, content and unified people. Guyanese must not allow politics to widen or entrench feelings of division or discord.
Secondly, we must respect the rule of law. Society does not function if we do not respect the rule of law. No one is above the rule of law, and it is this fundamental, collective agreement that keeps our society moving forward. In this vein, GECOM must be allowed to undertake their work without undue interruption or influence from citizens, officials, parties, observers, the press or any other entity purporting to observe, interfere or obstruct their processes. Finally, let us remember that this beautiful land of Guyana is ours to make of it what we will. The decisions that we make today will continue to impact us beyond tomorrow, so let us make wise decisions borne out of love for one another, a commitment to the betterment and development of this nation, and to her peoples. Let us continue to move forward, respectfully of each other and without malice or hatred. Let peace, unity and good sense guide us forward.
Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_e-paper_3-7-2020