…as full-fledged mission prepares to observe polling activities
The European Union (EU) has deployed a full-fledged mission of over 50 persons to be part of the Election Observation Mission here in Guyana next month.
EU Chief Observer Urmas Paet
Chief Observer Urmas Paet on Thursday outlined some of the activities which will be scrutinised as he reaffirmed that Elections Day should be free of violence, intimidation and interference.
“The understanding in your society is very high that this election process should be free and fair. Every person with common sense should understand that violence, for example, is no solution. Not in any case. Free elections is where citizens can express their will freely without [the] fear of violence is the best solution.”
“The European Union attaches great significance to these elections. We stand ready to deliver an impartial, objective assessment of the electoral process and call on all stakeholders to respect the rules and refrain from inflammatory language and violence,” he urged.
Paet, a European Member of Parliament, while sharing a brief of the mission’s plans, reminded that their mandate is to solely assess whether the elections are in compliance with international and regional commitments.
Last month, a core team of nine analysts would have arrived in Guyana where they will mobilise to observe all aspects of the electoral setup, from the political to legal issues. Some 19 EU Member States and Norway would’ve committed to sending observers, making the total number surpass 50.
“Before the Election Day, the mission will be reinforced by 20 short-term observers who will observe voting, counting and the tabulation of results. On election day, the mission will be joined by some locally-recruited short-term observers from EU member states, diplomatic missions accredited to Guyana,” he informed.
He explained that throughout this season, they will pay keen attention to the legal framework and its implementation of the legal framework, campaign activities, the role of civil society, the conduct of the media, voting and the tabulation of ballots.
The level of accessibility at polling stations for persons with disabilities would also be scrutinised.
After the process is completed, a report will be issued by the delegation two or three months later, including recommendations for future polls. However, within 48 hours, a preliminary statement will be sent out.
Violence-free
In 24 days, Guyanese will cast their ballots for the appointment of a new Government. According to Paet, it is important for these persons to exercise their democratic right without interference.
“Voters should be able to cast their vote in secret for political parties of their choice, free from pressure, intimidation or any other kind of interference. We encourage full transparency and accountability of all the stakeholders involved in the elections as this can really enhance public trust and confidence in the electoral process.”
While no one has been embedded at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Secretariat to overlook their operations, he shared that there has been satisfactory communication on both ends. The Elections Observer Mission is mandated to carry out its functions in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, adopted by the United Nations in 2005.
Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon would have met recently with representatives of the Carter Center, where he said that there would be no post-election violence.
“There is too much going for Guyana right now, too much positive developments for us to return to that place. Any post-election violence will take us back decades and we don’t want that. We do not subscribe to it. We have too much to lose as a country if we go back to that abyss,” he said.
