By Navendar Seoraj 

—PPP/C accused of issuing fake ID cards at Mon Repos, other communities

A PEACEFUL start to the electoral process on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) ended with tension on Monday, as supporters of the incumbent A Partnership for National Unit and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition and those of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) clashed near a polling place at Mon Repos.

Despite comments about a smooth process, there were accusations of attempts to “interfere” with the electoral process at the Mon Repos Primary School polling place and at polling places at LBI and Strathspey, during the General and Regional Elections, on Monday.
The APNU+AFC’s agent for the ECD, Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams, noted, in an invited comment, that there were complaints from Mon Repos about a known politician handing out Identification (ID) cards.

This matter, he said, was reported to the police and it was being investigated. In a video posted on the APNU+AFC’s Facebook page, AG Williams and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, were seen visiting a polling station at the Mon Repos Market Tarmac, where they confronted the PPP/C’s ECD agent, Anil Nandlall, about the issue of “handing out” ID cards. Ally could be heard telling Nandlall that he was named as one of the persons distributing ID cards to persons.

Nandlall during the confrontation, however, denied engaging in such an act and was advised by AG Williams to let GECOM officials deal with the matter. Supporters of the APNU+AFC coalition upon hearing about the issue, made their way to the railway embankment road at Mon Repos, just a few yards away from the polling place, to observe the process and ensure that the alleged, illicit issuance of ID cards did not persist.

The coalition supporters claimed that a tent was set up by the PPP/C supporters at a private residence just across the road from the Mon Repos Primary School polling place. The coalition supporters said they were told that the tent was set up to aid with “verifications,” but they observed questionable practices. After recognising the “questionable practices,” the APNU+AFC supporters called for the tent to be removed. While speaking out about the practice, the coalition supporters attracted the attention of PPP/C supporters and residents of Mon Repos, who started to verbally rebel against the coalition supporters.

A clash between the supporters of the two parties ensued, but officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and members of the Mon Repos Community Policing Group quickly stepped in to quell the situation. Although the lawmen managed to keep the supporters apart, there were still verbal exchanges. Supporters of the coalition stood on the railway embankment road, while supporters of the PPP/C were a few yards off the railway embankment road, in School Street.

“Step closer, come closer!” shouted supporters from both sides, as they continued the verbal exchange. At one point the residents of Mon Repos even started shouting “PPP, PPP!”

Supporters of both parties said they were not willing to move until the ballots were counted and the ballot boxes were moved from the polling stations at the Mon Repos Primary School polling place. After the close of polls at 18:00hrs, supporters stood their ground, causing the GPF to send in riot police, just to be prepared in the event of a physical clash. Riot police were armed with pellet guns, rubber bullets and teargas. The crowd, however, started to lessen after 20:30hrs and the exchanges became less.

Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, said the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was aware of the matter, but the preliminary investigations were being done by the GPF. “I think GECOM will have to await the current investigations, the count is going on and there is a standoff among party constituents, the police are present and I am sure reports will emanate from the police and

our own presiding officers,” said Lowenfield during GECOM’s first post-elections press conference at the media centre, on Monday evening.

In addition to the claims of distribution of ID cards, Lowenfield said the commission received reports that an individual tried to vote twice at a polling station on the ECD. These matters are, however, being investigated by the relevant authorities.

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_03_2020

Story and photos by Nafeeza Yahya
FROM the sounds of horns and bells at approximately 04:00hrs on Monday morning to the close of polls at 18:00hrs, polling day 2020 in Region Six, was described as smooth, quiet and incident-free. This was according to Divisional Commander Calvin Brutus at around 18:30hrs on Monday night.  The commander noted that apart from a few rumours of residents ganging up at polling stations and a political party campaigning, there were no incidents of violence nor disturbances in his division. Nevertheless, the regional Top Cop stressed that there will be mass patrols throughout the night, as well as increased security at the office of the returning officer for District Six in Adventure village, East Berbice-Corentyne.

The views of the commander of an incident-free and smooth process was shared by independent observers who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle. Mohamed Raffik, President of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and representing the Private Sector Commission, stated that the process was very efficient and without hiccups; however, it seemed to be taking a while to process voters at some polling stations. “All the polling stations we visited were opened on time and we are pleased with what we have seen so far, but will continue to observe well into the night until the final tallying is done and declared by the returning officer” As expected , the turnout for the regional and national elections was much more than the last local government elections and most voters came out early in the morning to cast their ballots then returned to their normal business. Over at the Mibicuri School, where 1314 voters were expected to cast their ballots, over 80 per cent of the voters had already voted by the time this publication visited at around 15:00hrs.  Like most communities, there were lines early in the morning from around 06:00hrs up to around 10:00hrs. After that, the voters were trickling in until late afternoon when a few chose to come out in the cooler temperature. At Molsen Creek by 16:00hrs, 25 of the 32 voters had already cast their ballots.  Abdul Karim Rahim, 72, said he came out at around 07:30hrs and found the process to be much more effective and expeditious than the over 50 years that he has been voting. He

explained that the community is one that lives in harmony, as such, there were no incidents nor isssues. He is however hoping that whoever wins will honour
their promises and deliver to the people so that all can benefit.

Leader of the Federal United Party (FED-UP) Chandra Sohan, after casting his vote at the Sheet Anchor Primary School in Number Two village, said he was pleased with the voters turnout and was pleasantly surprised to still see a large number of voters at around 12:00hrs in line at the polling station.  The Sheet Anchor Primary school had some 1799 voters registered to cast their ballots at the four polling stations housed in the school. It was among the largest number of voters in Region Six for a single location. For Region Six there were a total of 99,131 registered voters at 378 polling places from the Amerindian Communities of Siparuta and Orealla in the East, to Mara on the East Bank of Berbice and along the riverine communities along the Berbice River/ Canje Creek areas. At Baracara along the Berbice River, a high turnout of voters was recorded early in the day as residents travelled by canoe to reach their polling stations. Notably present at the polling stations were several young voters who came out in their numbers to exercise their franchise. The elderly were not to be left behind as they too came out

with their families and voted. Even senior citizens with the assistance of wheelchairs as well as walkers and canes went to their respective polling stations throughout the Corentyne coast. Apart from the process that was described as lengthy in the morning session, the entire day was said to have been an exciting one for Berbicians.

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_03_2020

WITH approximately 11 polling stations listed under Region Four’s ‘Georgetown North’, the voting process at these locations was carried out in a manner that was smooth and highly organised, with voters having mostly good things to say about their experience. Dozens of persons turned out at the various polling stations even before 06:00hrs, when they were expected to be opened. The process reportedly got off to an early start at all of the locations with all requisite staff in place, and there were hardly any hiccups in this section of the city.

In this district, Guyana Chronicle first visited the St. Gabriel’s Primary School where a total of 1,699 persons were listed to vote at seven polling stations. Here, the line of voters stretched way outside of the compound with a mixture of voters, notably, many young people making up the crowd.

But for one woman, things could have gone a little better when it came to the provisions in place for the elderly to vote; they were given special treatment in the sense that they did not have to join the line. She was of the opinion that the process at this location could have been completed faster had a special line been designated for the elderly. Another voter here observed that while it was a very easy process, it was slowed down somewhat because there were many new GECOM staff. Between the St. Ambrose Primary School and Head Start Nursery in Alberttown, there were eight polling stations with a total of 2,628 persons listed to vote there. Here, too, the process was organised and moved along swiftly. One 68-year-old, in all smiles, said he found the process very simple and the officers stationed there were very helpful in explaining things to him. “They put me in front of the line, so I got through very fast,” he remarked. The crowd here was also full of youths, especially young men. A total of 960 persons were listed to vote at two polling stations at Winfer Gardens Primary School on East Street, and the process here was found to be slow. One young voter said he arrived at the location around 06:00hrs but finished voting until about 08:30 hrs.

The process was also a bit slow at the Christ Church Secondary School, where 931 persons were listed to vote at three polling stations. While one voter described her experience as a very straight forward

process, another said she found it a bit slow because staff at the facility had to take their time to explain certain things to other voters.

Even though she took approximately one hour to cast her ballot, she still thinks that the staff did a good job.
Three polling stations were available at St. John’s College on Waterloo Street where 874 persons were listed to vote. People turned up at this location even before 06:00hrs to vote. The process here was just as smooth as the one held at Bishops’ High School where 615 persons were listed to vote, and at Kingston Secondary School where 546 persons were on the list to vote at two polling stations.

Three stations were set up at the St. John’s Association of Guyana where a total of 781 persons were listed to vote, and at Tutorial High School where 218 persons were listed to vote. Meanwhile, at the Lodge Secondary School, the first person to cast his ballot arrived about 05:45 hrs and reported how things went smoothly. Dozens of persons turned up at this location, including those from the disability community, the elderly, those with young children, and youths.

One woman, who came just after 06:00hrs with a one-month old baby, was allowed special treatment, in the sense that she did not have to join the long line to cast her

ballot. Within minutes, she was able to get through.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, also turned up at this location to vote, along with a number of his immediate family members. After emerging from the polling station in just a few minutes, he told this publication that the process was smooth.
Williams was seen assisting his son and elderly mother-in-law to get to their respective polling stations. He was also seen sharing lively conversations with persons he knew from the neighbourhood.

Other small pockets of people could be heard chattering about various aspects of the election process, and even a bit of the country’s history, so far as independence and elections are concerned.

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_03_2020

IT was a bitter sweet moment for Linda Christina, who voted for the very first time in her 66 years.

She was ecstatic and smiling when Guyana Chronicle caught up with her, just as she had finished voting.

Christina added that the voting process was simple and she followed the instructions.
“The process was guided and I was pleased I had no problem with the process,” she said
Christina told Guyana Chronicle that recently she got registered and was able to get her national identification card.

Finally, she could vote and she was quite happy to even journey from the far-flung village of Shulinab, a Macushi community.

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_03_2020

By Jared Liddell

Police on Monday responded quickly to calm the chaos that erupted at the Toevlugt/ Patentia Neighbourhood Democratic Council building following reports that a man was distributing fake National Identification (ID) cards to persons to vote.

Regional Commander of District Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Assistant Commissioner, Simon Mc Bean, briefed the members of the media on the situation, stating that the GPF acted, based on the information received and explained that upon interviewing the person in question, the GPF was able to ascertain information.

Mcbean stated, “There was a report by the crowd that the individual was seen assisting persons with voting with what they suspected to be fake ID cards, and there was a minibus parked somewhere along the road there containing fake ID cards. The individual that they fingered, said that he was in the polling station. When he was interviewed, he indicated “that he was merely assisting someone to find their name on the list.”

Mc Bean said that since there was little to no actual evidence to support the claims that were made against the man identified only as Simon, he was warned that his actions were not within his legal parameters since he was not a representative of the party, or an official local observer. Simon was then escorted from the polling station by members of the GPF.
GECOM officers on the ground were unable to provide the media with clarification on the issue.

Several local as well as international observers inclusive of representatives of the European Union, CARICOM, and the Carter Center, made their way to the polling station to assess the situation.

PPP/C presidential hopeful, Dr. Irfaan Ali, also made a brief appearance where he tried to ascertain information. He explained the reason he visited the area saying “I’m just here to ensure that my supporters right to exercise their franchise is protected.” Ali claimed he was not allowed to enter the polling station and said he was unable to enter the building to gather any information.

The residents, who were visibly upset, reported that they wanted to see free and fair elections and lamented that they should never have been made to feel any underhand activity was taking place. The residents further said that they believed in a democratic process and they feel that that process was being undermined by Simon, along with others who have ulterior motives.

They also made claims of similar activities taking place in several other villages along the West Bank.
The residents remained close to the polling station as they said that they needed to protect their rights.

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_03_2020

residents have high expectations

By Rabindra Rooplall in Mabaruma
THOUSANDS of persons voted on Elections Day in Mabaruma, Region One, as voters lined polling stations before the commencement of the balloting process on Monday.

For 89-year-old Angela Bradford, who was among the first group of voters at the Mabaruma Nursery School before the opening of polls, it was an exciting moment.
Bradford explained that she awoke at 03:00hrs on Elections Day and could not sleep again since she wanted to head to the polls as early as possible.

“Since 1953, I have been voting, and I just sat down, made some hot tea and waited until the polls open, before voting was a priority for me today. I want the government to do everything that is good for us since I have been a resident of Mabaruma since 1953,” the mother of 10 children and grandmother of 16 said.

She said that everyone in her family voted.
Rosa Justina Thom, 88, of Mabaruma, said she has been a voter for several decades and cannot recall the first time she ever voted but knew the tradition must be continued and she completed the process at the Mabaruma Nursery School. The mother of six said she has “a lot of grandchildren” and she needs the leaders of society to provide them with opportunities to develop their lives in the future.
Victor Boyer, 64, of Wanaina, started voting since 1973 and has been continuous in all election-related matters.

Boyer explained that, previously, he voted at the Hosororo Nursery School but now he is doing so at the Hosororo Primary School instead. “For my community, what will happen at the end is that it would be peaceful, nobody doesn’t behave stupid here. I hope that they continue with developing the road because what we have here now is just a dry weather road. It used to be pitch some years ago, but because of heavy traffic it deteriorated and the patching doesn’t last,” Boyer said.
Further, Boyer, who describes himself as a jack of all trades, said farming is essential for the development of all communities in Region One and the youths have shun farming and are looking for an easier way to earn a living.

“Youths are not going into farming and are looking for the easy way out, you see if you get the farming going, then industries can start up and that would be good, but a lot of people are school dropouts so their hope of getting a job with anybody is bleak,” he explained.
He noted that everyone has their small garden and farmers have no sustainable market for their crops but farming on the large scale is needed to bring back the region to prosperity.

“Years ago, farming made us prosperous, but that was the good days of Venezuela, but now with the situation in Venezuela, everyone coming back to Guyana is old and looking for us to rescue them,” the father of eight said.

“Years ago, farming made us prosperous, but that was the good days of Venezuela, but now with the situation in Venezuela, everyone coming back to Guyana is old and looking for us to rescue them,” the father of eight said.

With a smile on his face, he said he only has 10 grandchildren since his daughters are taking a rest.
Reflecting on raising his children, Boyer said his eldest son died and he was an excavator operator.

Underscoring that he ensured that his children made use of all their opportunities, he said his children are in the teaching, civil and geological engineering professions.
“I do a little gardening, tailoring; I even used to be in the mines and anything worthy of work. I am a jack of all trades,” he smilingly said.

Bernadine Daniels, of Hosororo Stretch, said she and her family gathered early at the Hosororo Primary School to vote since she sees it as an important process for Guyana’s development.
The mother of five said she ensured that everyone in the family voted and the process was smooth.

Daniels explained that there are many things that need to be done in her community, starting with the roadways and she expects that the government of the day will not waste time in developing Mabaruma.
Desmond James, 73, of the Wauna District, said this is his third time voting in general elections.

“First of all, whoever is the government, they need to listen to the people. People in this community need a proper road to start with; the housing in this community needs urgent development because more than one family live together under the same roof; that is very bad, sometimes over three families live in one house. This is because there are no resources to build their own houses, jobs are scarce and people don’t get enough income to build their lives, much more houses. People do subsistence farming just to keep them up,” the father of eight children and 24 grandchildren, said.

Dwayne Ombermuller, 19, of Hosororo Stretch said he came out early with his family to vote and expects development to continue in the region.
The teen said this is his first time voting in the general elections and he visited GECOM website to locate his polling station.

“My expectations are that whoever wins, they should continue development in Region One across the various sectors. Everybody in my family voted early,” he said.
According to a mother of seven, Unita Marcellino, she has been living in Mabaruma for the past 18 years and the government has been doing well in the community and she would like to see things continue to develop. This is the main reason she voted. Some of the polling stations visited by this publication included the Wauna Primary School (Barima-Waini) where 388 persons were listed to vote; Bunbury Nursery School where 138 persons were listed to vote; the Hosororo Primary School where there were two polling stations with 303 and 337 persons listed to vote respectively; the Sheba Nursery School where there were also two polling stations with 406 and 389 listed to vote; the Mabaruma Primary School where 238 persons were listed to vote and the Mabaruma Nursery School where there were two polling stations with 289 and 306 respectively listed to vote.

Additionally, at the Kumaka Polling Station, at NAREI Waterfront, Mabaruma building, there were 317 persons listed to vote.
In the region, there were observers from the British High Commission and the European Union who described the process as peaceful and quiet.

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_03_2020

PRIME Ministerial Candidate of the A Partnership for the National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan, said based on the overwhelming support the coalition has been receiving, it is likely to secure a landslide victory in the General and Regional Elections.

Ramjattan, the country’s Public Security Minister, and his wife, Sita Ramjattan, voted at the Rama Krishna Primary School, on Monday, when more than 600,000 Guyanese headed to the polls to determine their next government.

In the 2015 General and Regional Elections, the coalition secured 33 seats in the 65-Member National Assembly while the Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) – received 32 seats. However, according to Ramjattan, the APNU+AFC will more than likely rake in an additional five seats in the National Assembly. “I think we are going to win by 4 to 5 seats. That’s my projection based on what as experience, as a politician for some 40 years and also from surveyswe have done and the hype that we have seen by the rallies.” Ramjattan told journalists. According to him, he is “pretty confident” that the APNU+AFC has dominated the elections. If Ramjattan’s prediction is on point, the coalition would be in line to receive 38 seats in the House. He said PPP/C, having lost touch with thousands of its supporters, is now feeling the consequence. Ramjattan said the PPP/C has been going downhill. In 1997, the PPP/C secured 220,000 votes; in 2001, 210,000 votes; in 2006, 182, 000 votes and in 2011, approximately 164,000 votes. According to Ramjattan, this trend is likely to continue.
“I have been to Port Mourant. I have been to some very stronghold areas of the PPP, and the people have indicated that yes, we are going to support the APNU+AFC, they like the achievements and they like the quality of the leadership as against that which we have in Irfaan Ali. So I am pretty hyped up,” the APNU+AFC prime ministerial candidate said. Ramjattan’s projection is based on the support shown in the lead up to the elections, particularly during the coalition’s re-election rallies, and not the declaration of results from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). GECOM indicated that the preliminary results could be released later today; however, according to the APNU+AFC presidential candidate, the APNU+AFC and PPP/C would have a clear understanding of the voting pattern by this morning.

Even as GECOM prepares to release the results as they become available, Ramjattan called on Guyanese to be calm. “Please be calm, let there not be any provocations from opposing voters, voters with an opposing view, just be calm,” he urged.

Questioned over the alleged case of voters’ suppression, Ramjattan, in rejecting the allegations, said the decision to suspend travel between Suriname and Guyana via ‘backtrack route’ was as a result of the increasing spread of the coronavirus. The move, he noted, was a cautionary one and would likely to remain in place for more than a week. He said APNU+AFC is not in the business of voters’ suppression.

During the day, Minster Ramjattan was seen observing the elections particularly in Region Six. He also noted that the Guyana Police Force is committed to maintaining law and order during this sensitive period.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo cast his vote at the National Aquatic Centre in Liliendaal. Nagamootoo, who resides in North Sophia, voted at around 8:00hrs on Monday. Noting that the majority of the electors had voted early, the Prime Minister said the process was hassle-free.

“It seemed as if everything was going well and hope it remains that way until the rest of the day,” Ramjattan had pleaded. He said it was important for Guyanese to exercise their franchise in the elections. Minister Ramjattan and Prime Minister Nagamootoo were among government officials who voted in Monday’s elections.

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_03_2020

HUNDREDS of residents of Queenstown, Region Two, flocked the polling stations in their areas to vote. Some 900 residents were expected to cast their votes at the Queenstown nursery and primary schools. A drive along the Pomeroon-Supenaam region revealed that the polling stations, especially in the Queenstown community were crowded, more than any other station along the coast. Voters were seen as early as 05:30hrs forming lines at the Queenstown Primary School. When this newspaper visited, the Queenstown Primary School, around 07:30 hrs, there were long lines with persons checking for their names and others waiting patiently to vote.
Residents related that March 2 was their chance to contribute to changes in Guyana, and as such, they did not hesitate. “We were told on different occasions to come out early and vote; for me, I don’t care how long the lines are, I will wait even if it’s till 18:00 hours to vote. This is my democratic right,” Telma Johan said. He also used the opportunity to display his ink finger to the media.

At mid-day, in Queenstown, more and more persons were seen riding bicycles to the polling stations. Young people were seen in front of the lines.
Coalition supporters were outside of the polling station praying as persons were entering. Many of the persons coming after casting their votes said that the process was easy and they voted with confidence. “I voted with confidence. I know who I want to lead this country and the oil money, we can’t allow any and all so call leader to claim the oil industry so I voted for a president I want,” Nirmala Sookra said.
Some of the residents in the lines remained quiet while others were seen waiting eagerly to vote. “I voted fast but I just can’t wait for this result to announce like I just anxious, I voted and I am glad I did,” Nala Innis related. The community of Queenstown remained busy throughout the day as persons were seen transporting elders to vote. The differently-abled were also assisted to vote. The atmosphere at Queenstown remains calm despite the rush.

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_03_2020

AS the sun rose behind the trees at Pearl, on the East Bank of Demerara, a crowd of media operatives turned in the direction of President David Granger, his wife, First Lady Sandra Granger and their daughter, Afuwa, as the trio walked towards the nursery school at the corner to cast their votes.

Being the disciplined person he is, the President was a bit early; five minutes to be exact. He stood calm next to his family members, nonchalantly entertaining trivial chit-chat from social activist Mark Benschop, who asked the President if he had a good’s night rest; about the song, ‘Slow Hands’, and generally about his well-being.

Moments later, the staff of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) signaled that it was time to open the polls of the 2020 regional and general elections at the Pearl Nursery School, and the media operatives sprang into action, trying to get the best shot of the man seeking re-election to lead the country into the Coalition’s plan, termed ‘The Decade of Development’.

The President commenced the voting process briskly, and some GECOM staffers, who may have been nervous, were still standing as a mark of respect when the Head of State was being walked through the process of casting his ballot. As members of the media jostled to get the best shot, the President calmly voted, and, accompanied by his wife, exited the polling station minutes later.

“The process was very efficient; the staff were courteous, and the voting was without incident,” he said, noting that the only slight problem was that the cap for the ink bottle was stuck.

He said that he anticipated a “smooth and successful” process during the course of the day, and noted that not only was it a democratic right and duty to participate, but asked those who had second thoughts about voting to ensure they partake in the process, regardless of their political persuasion.

Noting that he was confident that the APNU+AFC would be re-elected, the President also expressed confidence that the voting process would be efficient, as that observers were on hand to oversee it.

He said he planned to visit other polling stations to ensure that the process was smooth and without incident, and later said he would then quietly await the results.
The president said from the time he entered office, he ensured that Local Government Elections(LGE) were held, noting that the ‘Coalition’ is totally committed to the democratic process.

He said economic issues such as the oil industry, has no bearing on the democratic process, and that he is confident that the Caribbean is looking on at Guyana as not only “a beacon of economic development,” but also one which leads in ensuring democracy.
Before he walked back to his home, the President chuckled as he almost forgot to pose and display his inked-finger for the numerous cameramen who continued to jostle each other to get the best shot of the incumbent President.

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_03_2020

-satisfied with electoral process
…says ‘few’ anomalies being investigated

AS voters across the country turned out to exercise their franchise, President David Granger was confident of a victory for the incumbent A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, which he leads. The President, who visited several polling stations to observe the electoral process on Monday, said: “The turnout is heavy to moderate but I would say the emphasis on heavy…people know what to do and polling agents are efficient and they are briefing the voters on procedure so there is no reason for me not to believe that the process would be smooth.”
When asked if he is confident of victory, President Granger said: “I am very confident, even before today.”

Over 600,000 Guyanese are eligible to vote in the 2020 General and Regional Elections. And, there are some 2,339 polling stations across the 10 administrative regions. Nine political parties are competing in the general elections and 11 in the regional elections.
Subsequent to observing the process at the Beterverwagting Secondary School polling place, President Granger said he had observed that there was tremendous enthusiasm on the part of the electors at all of the polling stations that he visited.

“Everything was in order, the staff was in place, and they had all their materials… I have not received a single complaint in all of the stations I visited and I have been visiting stations for nearly three hours… the staff is aware of their duties and they are performing their duties efficiently,” said President Granger.

Considering the “tremendous” enthusiasm, he expected a massive turnout. The President went on to say that the whole Guyana should be happy because the “democratic process” was moving smoothly and even international observers should have nothing to complain about. President Granger although being satisfied with the process, said the coalition had noticed a few anomalies and abuses, but the party’s agent, Joseph Harmon, had noted those issues and raised them with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Harmon in an invited comment said there was an issue at one polling station, where the six-digit stamp was only stamping four digits. The matter was brought to the attention of GECOM. Additionally, Harmon said there were smaller issues which would have been addressed as the day progressed.

Early in the day, at the crack of dawn, electors were seen assembling at polling stations on the ECD to exercise their franchise during the March 2, 2020 General and Regional elections, which was dubbed the mother of all elections. Electors from the ECD formed part of the 285,618 voters who were listed in District Four.

The process started smoothly, according to electors and even international observers who were present at the Betervwagting Practical Instruction Centre polling place.
The first elector to cast his vote at this polling place, S.S Mohamed, said the process was simple and it was made easy through guidance from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)’s polling-day staff.

These sentiments were echoed by other voters, who said the only concern was the pace at which the lines were moving.
Speaking about their observations at the Betervwagting polling place, Chief of Organisation of American States (OAS) Observer Mission, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Bruce Golding, said his team observed the preparation for the poll in all five polling stations at the polling place, and it seemed to have gone well.

Talking more about the process, he said: “We stayed behind to see the actual commencement at the station and that seems to be going well…the process tends to be a little slow because of verification of identification and a concern would be whether or not you will have long lines which may cause frustration…other than that it started out well and I hope it continues like that.”

This complaint was replicated by electors at other polling stations along the ECD, but persons hailed the process and commended GECOM for the arrangements in place to ensure the smooth conduct of elections.

Electors at the Lusignan Primary School, Annandale Secondary School and St. Paul’s Retreat Centre polling places said the lines leading to the polling stations were slow, but the process was simple. The long lines and crowded polling stations, however, could not be seen after lunch, as many persons said they chose to vote early and even encouraged their family members and colleagues to do the same.

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_03_2020