Last Updated on Tuesday, 12 May 2015, 23:47 by GxMedia
In the wake of Guyana’s two major political parties claiming victory in Monday’s general and regiona elections, the Chairman of the Joint Services, Brigadier Mark Phillips Tuesday night appealed for calm and respect the official announcement and declaration of results by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
“The GECOM is the only institution by which we can get the official results of the elections. I urge you to wait and be patient. When the final announcement is made, I urge that all demonstrate maturity and let good sense prevail by accepting the official results,” said Phillips.
Phillips, who is also Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), is the latest prominent personality to call for acceptance of the official results when they are declared. The Guyana Police Force has already asked the GDF to assist with patrols following pockets of tension Monday night after polls closed at 6PM.
GECOM has not given a definitive time-line when a winner would be declared, but assured that additional preliminary results would be provided Wednesday.
The coalition A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) first disclosed statistics culled from 2,055 of the 2,229 Statements of poll showing what it claimed to be a commanding lead over the incumbent People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC).
The PPPC less than one hour after released its own figures, claiming victory.
Both parties, however, said they would await GECOM’s final declaration.
Following is the full text of the statement by the Chairman of the Joint Services, Brigadier Mark Phillips
Chairman of the Joint Services, Brigadier Mark Phillips, urges all Guyanese to be calm. “As the nation awaits the official results from the Guyana Elections Commission, I urge that all Guyanese remain calm. Do not allow yourselves to be provoked and do not give way to negative emotions and suggestions of negative occurrences. The GECOM is the only institution by which we can get the official results of the elections. I urge you to wait and be patient. When the final announcement is made, I urge that all demonstrate maturity and let good sense prevail by accepting the official results. We are all in this together and there is nothing to be gained by destroying our communities and harming each other. Progress and real development will not come through violence!”
Brigadier Phillips also emphasised the role of the GDF in this period, as being in support of the Police. “The GDF will be involved in various patrols in support of the Guyana Police Force with the intent to ensure stable, safe and secure communities across Guyana. I urge you to support our troops as they carry out their Constitutional tasks to keep you and your communities safe. You do not need to fear our troops. We are working to ensure your safety.
We like you look forward to the eventual announcement of the final results from GECOM and we look forward to continuing to build this great nation of ours in partnership with you. As we wait, I pray God’s blessings on all citizens and our beloved nation.
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