EU reaffirms assistance to strengthen Guyana’s electoral mechanism

– Nandlall boasts of amendments to several Acts to correct deficiencies

The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission that participated in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections has offered assistance to strengthen Guyana’s electoral mechanisms.
This disclosure was made during a meeting with Attorney General Anil Nandlall on Friday with a high-level delegation from the European Union (EU) Follow-up Mission Guyana 2023.
The delegation comprised Electoral Expert Alexander Matus, Legal Expert Anne Marlborough and Deputy Head of Delegation of the EU in Guyana, Evelina Melbarzde.

Based on a missive issued by the AG Chambers, the delegation inquired about the progress of Guyana’s efforts at electoral reform and the implementation of the recommendations made by the EU Election Observation Mission which participated in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.
Nandlall in responding, expressed appreciation to the delegation for the follow-up meeting, and for the important role it played during the last elections to protect democratic and electoral processes.
He nevertheless informed the delegation of a number of measures since undertaken at electoral reform, including amendments to the National Registration (Amendment) Act 2022 and the Representation of the People Act 2022, which were enacted to correct the deficiencies and fill the gaps within the laws.
“We reviewed what transpired and saw where parts of the legislation were abused, and discretion was exercised in the most arbitrary and capricious manner. Gaps in the legislation were exploited in manners inimical to the electoral process, and we also saw the deficiencies of some of the provisions and the ambiguities that were exploited and led to interpretations that were clearly irrational,” Nandlall told the delegation.
He also updated the team on the criminal charges instituted against persons accused of wrongdoings during the elections and on the findings of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that was conducted and handed over.
The delegation also recommended additional legislative changes as well as policies and administrative measures which can have a positive impact on Guyana’s electoral process and democratic credentials.
The Attorney General assured the team that the reforms taking place in the electoral arena are a work in progress that will continue.
Meanwhile, Nandlall reminded that the EU is an important partner to Guyana and that he is grateful for their contributions and as such, pledged the Government’s commitment to the continuous strengthening of the electoral machinery and improving the democratic architecture of the country for the public good.