GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Mar 11, CMC – The British government says it is prepared to help Guyana in ensuring “a credible election result is produced” as the country awaits the outcome of the March 2 regional and general election.
Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, said London is also urging President David Granger “to preserve the principle of free, fair and credible elections.
“Allegations of electoral fraud and premature declarations of victory prior to the completion of a credible process pose a grave threat to the democratic principles of Guyana,” he said, adding “we call upon President Granger to ensure that proper procedures are followed before embarking upon a transition of government.”
Earlier this week, President Granger issued a statement promising to “uphold the Constitution and keep our citizen safe.
“It is my sworn duty, as President, to uphold the Constitution and keep our citizens safe. I intend to do so. I will not allow political malefactors to hijack our democracy and compromise public order and human safety. Law and order will be maintained,” he said.
He said retired Justice Claudette Singh, the GECOM chairman has already indicated that she will await the outcome of the court matter regarding the elections, adding “the entire nation, indeed, must await the ruling of the Supreme Court.”
Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire, will later on Wednesday decide whether or not, the injunction granted to a supporter of the main opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to block the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from declaring the results of the elections was justified on the grounds that the votes declared for Region Four were not completely verified.
Last week Thursday, Justice Navindra Singh granted an injunction against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) the Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield and Returning Officer for Region Four Clairmont Mingo.
But four days after polls were held, GECOM released to the media, results for Region Four, and if, certified would result in the ruling coalition, A Partnership for National Unity plus the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) defeating the main opposition PPP/C by more than 59,000 votes and securing another term in office.
GECOM public relations officer, Yolanda Ward, had forwarded without comment images of Statutory Declaration Form 24. The Form shows the incumbent APNU+AFC securing 136,335 votes while the PPP/C has earned 77,258 a difference of 59,077.
