THE Heads of Mission of the Embassy of the United States of America, H.E. Sarah-Ann Lynch; the British High Commission, H.E. Greg Quinn; the Canadian High Commission, H.E. Lilian Chatterjee; and the Delegation of the European Union, H.E Fernando Ponz-Canto, have expressed deep concern over what it described as credible allegations of electoral fraud which may influence the results of this election.
The diplomats did not provide proof of their claims, but have called on all to ensure proper procedures are in place to yield a credible election result. The diplomats said a fair and free process is vital for the maintenance and reinforcement of democracy in Guyana. “We call on President Granger to avoid a transition of government which we believe would be unconstitutional as it would be based on a vote tabulation process that lacked credibility and transparency,” the diplomats said.
United Nations resident Coordinator, Mikiko Tanaka, in a statement, said the UN was following with concern, the latest developments in Guyana. “We take note of the statements issued by international observers and ambassadors accredited in Georgetown raising concerns regarding lack of compliance with national legal procedures and the need to resume the tabulation of results for Region Four,” the UN official said. “We encourage the relevant Guyanese authorities to finalise the process in a manner which leaves no doubts as to the credibility of the results that reflect the will of the Guyanese people. The United Nations calls upon all sides to act with calm, patience and in full respect of human rights, the rule of law and Guyana’s constitutional order.”
Meanwhile, the CARICOM Observation Mission, in a statement, said it accepts that the tabulation process which commenced on Wednesday March 4, 2020 using the statements of poll and which was in accord with the legislative provisions of Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act Cap 1.03 Revised Edition of the Laws of Guyana, was interrupted and remains incomplete. Furthermore, it is evident that the transparent tabulation of results for Region Four must be resumed under the independent control of the Returning Officer, as these scores are necessary and critical, in order to determine the outcome of the national poll.
“Like in other regions in Guyana, it is imperative that the Returning Officer be allowed to carry out his functions independent of any influence or directive from the GECOM Secretariat. Until this occurs, the outcome of the elections of March 2, 2020, cannot be reliably proclaimed. In this regard, the mission supports the Joint Statement issued on March 6, 2020, by International Observer Missions from the Commonwealth, the Organization of American States, the European Union and The Carter Center and urges GECOM to proceed with the establishment of the results for Region Four, in accordance with the law. The mission appeals to the political parties and the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to co-operate with the process, by honoring the subscribed codes of conduct.”
Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_e-paper_3-7-2020