Dear Editor,
One reasonable conclusion that can be drawn from the events of the last eight weeks is that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) cannot be trusted to deliver a credible recount. The mere fact that this constitutional agency is part and parcel of every effort thus far to rig the outcome of these elections does not impart any confidence in the Guyanese people that the recount will be credible and transparent.
Once again, the very forces that have successfully thwarted a timely and credible conclusion to these elections will be hard at work on multiple fronts to disrupt and/or taint the process. This will certainly threaten the outcome assuming we get that far. Expecting anything else is an exercise in futility. While we are all hoping for the best, we should be prepared for the worst.
Most importantly, we must be prepared to fight tooth and nail to preserve and/or win back our most sacred democratic right. The time-honoured democratic tradition of one man, one vote is at stake. It is the most powerful tool of non-violent reform available to every free citizen. Therefore, any further attempts to diminish or destroy this right should be met with downright condemnation and a zealous response by all Guyanese.
Although the international community remains watchful, they too must be very wary of the various ploys by GECOM to stymie a timely resolution to this electoral nightmare. Until now, our diplomatic friends have been very patient with GECOM and the powers that be. However, they can no longer afford to allow the current situation to continue unabated. While they are allowing for due process to take its course, the longer this so-called war of attrition plays out, the worse off the country will become. With each passing day, Guyana falls deeper into the abyss which further threatens the country’s long-term social, economic, and political stability. Thus, the longer this situation persists, the more challenging the prospects of current and future generations to navigate the road that lies ahead. And the last thing the international community needs in this hemisphere is another aid-dependent country whose people cannot shape their own future.
With one eye on the ballots and the other on GECOM, only time will tell where we are headed. From all indications, it is not someplace good.
Yours faithfully,
Omchand Mahdu
