ERC calls for peace to prevail ahead of GECOM’s “significant” declaration

With the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) expected to make a final declaration of the March 2 elections on Tuesday, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is calling on Guyanese to let peace prevail during this significant time.
In a statement on Sunday, the Commission said, like all Guyanese, it is mindful of the extended period it has taken for the results of the General and Regional Elections – held more than three months ago – to be declared.
The ERC added that it was also mindful of the discontent the wait for the declaration has inevitably precipitated among Guyanese and concerns that eventually led to a national recount of ballots cast.
As an agency birthed out of political discord and which is constitutionally mandated to foster harmony and good relations, the ERC noted it was heartened that incumbent President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo agreed to the national recount under the auspices of Caricom.
“Despite challenges, the recount has ended, the obligatory report by the Chief Elections Officer has been submitted and the nation awaits an announcement by the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The Commission, therefore, wishes to take this opportunity to urge all Guyanese to remain calm and to demonstrate a profound sense of tolerance and respect in view of the significant announcement expected from GECOM,” the missive detailed.
This crucial call for calm and peace, the ERC explained, comes within the historical context of what unfortunately transpired during elections; the vitriol, divisive and inciting rhetoric on social media; undesirable public pronouncements by some involved and in keeping with the Commission’s own call prior to and immediately after March 2.
The Commission referenced its March 4 statement of initial findings having observed the electoral process in some Polling Stations in parts of Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and 10, and commended the collective efforts of all involved for ensuring that democracy was safeguarded and prevailed during the said process.
“In addition, the Commission, having pointed out that, overall, on elections day voters were able to freely cast their ballots in an atmosphere of peace and that the few instances which necessitated the intervention of law enforcement, were timely resolved, the voting and counting processes observed, were found, despite some minor hiccups, to be free, fair and transparent. The adherence of those processes to the basic tenets of democracy is vital to the promotion of unity, national harmony, and good relations,” it noted.
While anxieties unavoidably prevail over the impending announcement and what it can possibly derive, the Commission is calling upon the leaders and members of all political parties, civil society organisations, constitutional bodies and Guyanese in general, to act in a responsible manner in an effort to safeguard the interest of Guyana and all of its citizens.
Furthermore, the ERC also urged that the results, when announced, be respected and reiterated its call for the implementation of a necessary collective effort from all national stakeholders endeavouring to build a cohesive and prosperous nation.