THE Carter Center Observer Group, in a last minute attempt, is seeking permission from the authorities to fly one of its representatives from the United States to Guyana to observe the national recount.
With the national recount of the votes cast at the March 2, 2020 regional and general elections set to commence on Wednesday, the group’s request is being championed by the United States Embassy.
The US Embassy noted on Sunday that it made a request for a flight to bring in its members and other persons from another observer group. It said it was still awaiting permission for the persons to travel, although permission was given for the flight.
The Private Sector Commission (PSC), in a statement, called for the observer group to be allowed to observe the process.
“As the body constitutionally responsible for supervising elections and the power to ensure fairness in the process, GECOM must ensure that the process is completed transparently and fairly and deliver results considered as credible by all fair minded,” the Gerry Gouveia-led PSC said.
It said is the duty of both President David Granger and the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to facilitate the early return of the foreign observers by issuing such instructions and directions as are necessary.
The Carter Center group departed Guyana late in March, some three weeks after the regional and general elections.
It assured at the time that it remains committed to observing and supporting Constitutional reform of the electoral process here in Guyana.
The center announced prior to departing that its decision was made in light of the absence of an electoral process, increasing restrictions on international travel because of COVID-19 and the decline in the security environment in Guyana.
The team said the decision to leave was a “difficult” one and gave all assurances that its future assistance was still available.
It lamented that Guyana’s electoral process began well with polls on March 2 but was marred with the tabulation of Region Four’s results which would be the ultimate determination for which party won the elections.
The center also acknowledged the “chaotic” environment of the Office of the Region’s Returning Officer (RO) during the tabulation, noting that efforts were made by “the large number of persons present and the efforts by PPP/C representatives and others to disrupt the declaration of results”.
Over 40 observers, representing 15 countries, had travelled to Guyana to observe the electoral process. The delegation was co-led by Aminata Touré, former Prime Minister of Senegal; and Jason J. Carter, Chairperson of The Carter Center’s Board of Trustees.
Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_05_04_2020