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