UNASUR Observers checking on implementation of previous recommendations

Last Updated on Sunday, 10 May 2015, 21:22 by GxMedia

by Zena Henry

The Union of South American Nations (UNSAUR) has joined foreign missions in the observation of Guyana’s General and Region Elections 2015 with the specific objective of eyeing the implementation of best practices during the country’s electoral process.

The regional body, of which Guyana alone speaks English as the main tongue, delivered a high profile team of regional electoral managers who have a main goal of observing and making recommendations to ensure democratic stability within the South American region.

Addressing media operatives at the Marriot Hotel Sunday May 10, Lead person for the group Dr. Domingo Paredes, noted that the presence of the organization is hoped to instill confidence and trust within the electorate taking to the polls just hours away.

The organization said that they ratify the objectives of impartiality, objectivity, and independence, noting that the mission is made up of officers and high profile authorities of electoral bodies within their countries. “We wish for best practices in the electoral field, and wish for reports to help stabilize democracy in the region,” Paredes stated.

Arriving in Guyana three days ago on invitation of by the State, Paredes said that their observing just the electoral process and will leave Tuesday evening. They explained that there are different invitations that would be extended to the organization by UNASUR States in viewing elections; giving an example that in Ecuador, with problems of corruption and inefficiency, they had the opportunity to work with police and military personnel to detain those people on Election Day. He said however the organization is in Guyana to, “observe and analyze the way in which the Guyanese electoral system works.”

The organization said that they are focusing on areas where the body would have observed in 2011 to ascertain what recommendations were considered and if not place that in their report.

“We are doing a follow up observation to see how the recommendations that we left last time have improved or haven’t, so that we can add that to our report.” They will be reviewing three polling stations in Parika, four in Georgetown, four in New Amsterdam and three centres in Linden.

The organization is also viewing the contrast of voting in rural areas to that in urban locations, and 16 members would be distributed to the selected locations.

It was noted that a corporation agreement was signed between UNASUR’ss electoral committee and the Guyana Election Commission, “so that their main objectives are to contributing to the development of the electoral process in its different stages, always abiding to the principals of corporation solidarity.”

Delegates from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and other non-English speaking South American nations are here. The organization appealed for peace among the people to accept the legal results.

“We hope for serenity and peace in the upcoming election so you will be an example to rest of the region…” Paredes urged for respect of the lawful results and to exercise all legal means in case of dissatisfaction of any political organization or party, to clear up any results that they may not agree with.”