Carter Center urges new Govt to address constitutional, electoral reform

…congratulates President Irfaan Ali, PPP on election victory

Once barred by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government from entering Guyana, The Carter Center on Monday extended congratulations to Guyana’s new President Dr Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

In a statement on Monday, the Center also reminded Guyana of the need for key leaders in Guyana to reach across the divide and work to ensure that fundamental electoral and constitutional reforms are completed as an urgent priority, well before the next election.
“The 2020 election was a true test of Guyana’s democracy, highlighting deep divides that persist in Guyanese society and the ways that the current political and electoral systems reinforce these divisions. It is critical that key leaders in Guyana now reach across the divide and work to ensure that fundamental electoral and constitutional reforms are completed as an urgent priority, well before the next election.”
“Guyana’s political leaders spoke of these ideals during the campaign period, and the Center calls on them now to work together to realize them. An inclusive reform process – with civil society leaders playing a key role, and with strong support from the international community – will be essential.”
The Carter Center also praised the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and GECOM Chairperson Claudette Singh, for finalising the results of the 2020 election. The Center also recognised former President David Granger for complying with GECOM’s final declaration.
According to the election watchdog, there is a need for the outgoing political party to cooperate and facilitate the smooth transition of Government. In fact, the group noted that this must be done quickly and that it is ready to assist if needed.
“The Center now calls on all political parties to work together to facilitate a smooth transition from one Government to another. The Guyanese people have shown great patience throughout this protracted process.”
“They deserve a Government that represents all Guyanese and that works collaboratively to move the country forward. The Center urges the new Government to move quickly to begin this process and stands ready to assist in these efforts and advance Guyana’s vast potential,” they added.
The former Government came under intense criticism for its refusal to allow The Carter Center to enter Guyana in order to observe the 33-day National Recount at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
Many in the international community as well as Guyana’s civil society and political parties, had waged a tireless campaign to have The Carter Center return to Guyana. The Carter Center had departed Guyana in March as the elections had dragged on, only to find its readmittance blocked after Guyana’s closed its airspace due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The United States Embassy had previously revealed that permission was sought from the heavily politicised National COVID-19 Task Force and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for a flight to land on May 4, and for the observers from The Carter Center to be allowed entry into Guyana on that flight.
However, a letter then surfaced from former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Karen Cummings, written on former President Granger’s behalf. Addressed to US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch, the letter had asked the US to respect Guyana’s wishes to close its airspace due to COVID-19.
But while the former Government blocked The Carter Center and ignored the national and international outcry, it approved flights for others including repatriated Guyanese and ExxonMobil workers. (G3)