Guyanese extol diplomatic support for democracy

Dear Editor,
Guyanese applaud the support from so many countries for their commitment to democracy. The US Ambassador (GT April 3) demonstrated publicly where the US stood at this critical juncture in the political life of Guyana. America, like other countries, is against electoral fraud. The world was unfortunately treated to that tawdry public spectacle of electoral fraud on March 4 that denigrates Guyana and that sought to deny a PPP victory. The world wants Guyana to count the votes properly.
Guyanese want Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch and other diplomats to know they are not alone in the struggle for democratic vote count in Guyana. They salute her behaviour as well as those of the other (BCE) diplomats and international observers extraordinary and exemplary, a model to emulate and have joined the call to count every ballot. All the diplomats have distinguished their behaviour in the conduct of diplomacy.
Their diplomacy and words of support of democracy have earned respect and won accolades in Guyana, the diaspora, and around the world (international observers) for her (their) efforts in defending democracy in Guyana. Guyanese extol the diplomats for standing on the side of democracy.
Working in Guyana is not easy especially in dealing with undemocratic retrenchment as well as the seeming quietness of some prominent Guyanese in the face of electoral fraud and display of authoritarian instincts. The diplomats did not stand down. They have earned their stripes. Contrary to what some may feel, they are successfully advancing their country’s interests in Guyana by speaking up for good governance and credible elections.
With regards to Sarah-Ann Lynch, Guyana is fortunate to have her as US Ambassador. In a very short period of time, she has distinguished herself in the country by improving US relationship with Guyana. She offered a smart, reasoned explanation of the US position on democratic elections. Contrary to what some said, she has a right under international law to express the opinion of her country on affairs in Guyana. She has remained within the norms of diplomacy. She complied with all State Department rules and regulations.
Ambassador Lynch, like other diplomats, spoke candidly and from the heart on her support for democracy.
It is unprecedented for a diplomat to speak so forcefully on that subject in Guyana. As a political scientist, I study international diplomacy. The statement from Her Excellency is a rare wash down of a country by a diplomat in any part of the world. Only Zimbabwe and a few other dictatorships received such scolding by a diplomat. South Africa also was lectured by the US for not ending apartheid and not giving Blacks equal rights including the right to vote.
In Guyana, people have a right to vote but not a right to a count of the vote. Ambassador Lynch’s statement sought to reinforce the right to vote and to its count. Her statement is a pattern issued by those of so many other Governments except that hers was lengthy and businesslike. It was penned from the heart.
Guyana Government’s criticism of the diplomats’ position on democracy is misguided and unfortunate. Guyana is a major recipient of US aid and goodwill. The criticism of the US on democratic elections will only seek to harm relations. It is hoped that relations that have been frayed with the US over the American demand for a proper elections count would make an easy mend. The US will not close its eye to electoral fraud.
The statement of US commitment to democracy has shone a light on the US foreign service that people are increasingly seeing as being different from the days of supporting dictatorships through the 1980s. The statement heralds the professionalism and courage that US foreign service diplomats exhibit when faced with serious challenges such as violations of human rights and democratic concepts.
There is no doubt that Ambassador Lynch and her other diplomatic colleagues went through a lot of stress during the election period, but that did not break down her (their) fortress to stand up to electoral injustice.
Guyanese thank the professionalism and commitment of Ms Lynch and other diplomats on democracy for Guyana. They pay glowing tribute to their dedication, commitment, and relentless effort in standing up for democracy in Guyana.
The latest US statement has exuded confidence among Guyanese that US-Guyana strategic ties will be enhanced when the election fiasco has been resolved with a proper count of ballots.
Guyanese salute the great work of all the diplomats who have now become a promoter of democracy. They thank the US Government and other countries for being a beacon of hope for democracy in Guyana. And they especially thank Ms Lynch for that strong statement and for the professionalism and exceptional skills exhibited in the field of diplomacy during this crisis.

Yours truly,
Dr Vishnu Bisram