Place Guyana above “personal ambitions” in declaring recount-based election results- Commonwealth SG

Last Updated on Sunday, 12 July 2020, 17:26 by Denis Chabrol

The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland called for a declaration of the results of the March 2, 2020 general elections based on the recount to help preserve Guyana’s democracy.

“Guyana’s destiny as a great nation rests on the shoulders of those men and women who are duty bound to make the right decision, respecting the will of the people and the rule of law, and ready to place their country before their personal ambitions,” she said in a statement.

Her renewed call was issued two days after Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield presented a report based on the 10 declarations by the Returning Officers including Clairmont Mingo whose Region 4 declaration is widely regarded by local and foreign observers as bloated in favour of the David Granger-led coalition.

Following is the full text of the Commonwealth Secretary General’s statement.

I note and welcome the 9 July 2020 statement from the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. The Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, which called on all stakeholders to respect the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s final court of appeal.

In accordance with the applicable laws and the constitution of Guyana, the CCJ exercised its final appellate jurisdiction, and, on 8 July 2020 handed down a clear and unambiguous ruling. The CCJ stated, “It is for GECOM to ensure that the election results are swiftly declared in accordance with the Laws of Guyana.”

Guyana is a much loved and valued member of the Commonwealth. On behalf of the entire Commonwealth family, I strongly encourage the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to follow the directions given by the CCJ and decisively conclude the 2 March 2020 elections based on the results of the national recount. The will of the people as expressed in the 2 March 2020 General and Regional Elections must be respected for democracy to prevail in Guyana.

I urge all political actors and stakeholders in Guyana to accept and respect the results of the national recount and ensure that their words and actions promote an environment of peace, harmony and social cohesion among all Guyanese.    

Guyana’s destiny as a great nation rests on the shoulders of those men and women who are duty bound to make the right decision, respecting the will of the people and the rule of law, and ready to place their country before their personal ambitions.

The Commonwealth calls all leaders to be faithful to the common good, so that Guyana’s future may truly be forged today.