Dear Editor
AS a Guyanese native, I am dismayed at the state of the 2020 elections. I’m not at all dismayed by the fact that it has been almost five months with no declaration, or by the incessant court battles. I’m disappointed but not dismayed by the myriad “irregularities” and “inconsistencies” which, to any reasonably objective observer, clearly indicate fraudulent activities in favour of both major parties. Despite all of this, I find the peaceful and transparent process to be a shining example of democracy at work. All parties are working through the elections commission and the courts to fight for their interest which they believe to be “the will of the people.” Democracy must be guided by our Constitution and laws, rather than by a clock, or some artificial need for expediency. The delay is frustrating, and the “irregularities” should be an embarrassment to all Guyanese, but none of it is undemocratic. Democracy lies in the process and principles by which this mess gets resolved. It is the manner in which the challenges are resolved in a way that gets us back to the true will of the people. By any objective measure, there is no outcome of the March 2nd election that can credibly reflect the true will of the people. As such, new elections will be needed if we are to truly hear from the people. Procedurally, our Constitution says that the path to new elections goes through a declaration and election petition. My dismay is caused by the self-serving actions of the major parties, the blatant disrespect for Guyana’s sovereignty by various international actors and the inconclusive judicial processes. Under the current circumstances, all parties need to genuinely act in the best interest of the people and in ways that protect democracy. The courts should exercise greater discretion by ruling in ways that enable closure, rather than ruling strictly based on the shenanigans narrowly presented by the various parties. For example, clearly stating whether Order #60 is valid and, if so, whether it must be executed in its entirety. GECOM and, if necessary, the courts must explain to the people what “reconciliation” means in the context of Order 60. It is entirely reasonable that GECOM does not have the authority to investigate all claims of fraud. However, it is incredible that it is not to be held accountable for the reconciliation of missing documents as identified during the recount. Why hasn’t the Chief Elections Officer and, more importantly, the people of Guyana been given guidance and clarity regarding this critical task?
Just when it seemed that we couldn’t fail our democracy any worse, I read with absolute horror that the chief elections officer was released on bail after private citizens brought charges against him. Those pressing charges against him presented no evidence to support his charges and claimed that they need to interview hundreds of people prior to presenting their case. This is something that should obviously have been done prior to contemplating charges against any citizen and, in particular, one who has such an important constitutional responsibility during the toughest election in the country’s history. Regardless of whether one agrees with his processes or conclusions, the CEO is the only person in this chaos who has attempted to clearly articulate the legal and constitutional basis for his decisions. It is just simply wrong that the courts should enable such an obvious political stunt.
As an American, I am further dismayed by the blatant disregard for democracy and the rule of law as we violate the sovereignty of my native land. We, as the self-appointed leader of the free world and keeper of democracy everywhere, are trampling every democratic foundation, while claiming to do so in the name of democracy. Along with other international actors, we are insisting that Guyanese must accept votes which would not be acceptable in our country. The will of the Guyanese people can’t be respected by imposing sanctions or issuing what can reasonably be interpreted as threats against the judiciary on the eve of every significant court hearing. I suspect that history will judge this as the moment where America truly lost all claim to moral leadership. We missed an opportunity to embrace one of the greatest tests of democratic principles in a lifetime. It’s not too late. If we truly care about democracy and the Guyanese people, stop interfering and demonstrating what appears to be a blatant bias for a particular outcome or party. Instead, encourage the democratic principles we hold so dear. Also, show some leadership and get the political parties to the negotiating table. Democracy is a living exercise. Without changing its fundamental principles, it needs to evolve to protect itself as lessons are learned. Clearly, the Guyana Constitution and elections commission need to be reformed to prevent similar issues in the future. Let’s be true champions of democracy and facilitate that process while incorporating efforts to improve ethnic relations in Guyana.
The process may be long and painful, but the democratic outcome has to be an interpretation of applicable laws that were presented in a manner understandable to the lay citizen. To the average person, this will rest on an understanding of the validity of Gazetted Order #60 of 2020. If Order #60 is in fact valid, the people should expect it to be carried out in a manner that generates the credibility it promised. GECOM owes all Guyanese a clear explanation of the basis for whatever declaration it makes in these elections. Everyone is going on about transparency to the international community, various observers and other actors. That’s just utter nonsense. Guyana’s democracy is for the citizens of Guyana, they are the only ones owed assurances that their elections are free, fair and credible. Observers are welcomed but it is regrettable that they are missing an opportunity protect the principles of democracy, and to learn from this frustrating but amazing exercise in democracy. The United States, Canada, European Union, Barbados, St. Vincent, the OAS and other actors have done a grave injustice to the Guyanese people with their interference. Their collective efforts have resulted in many Guyanese feeling marginalised, re-colonized and sold for the meaer price of $34M USD.
For the record, I am not affiliated or aligned with any political party in Guyana or the United States. My thoughts and concerns are about democracy and the rule of law, about the right of Guyanese to express their own will and not have it dictated to them.
Respectfully,
A concerned Guyanese-American Citizen
Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_e-paper_7-28-2020