If you commit the crime, prepare to do the time

Dear Editor,
I humbly seek a space in your publication to make a few points about what is maybe the most topical issue in Guyana’s political circle, the blatant attempts between March 2, 2020, and August 2, 2020, to rig an election in full view of the world.
Editor, I see a lot of folks are trying to sell the narrative that the arrest of Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo and the subsequent charges laid against in him are politically and racially-motivated.
Maybe those who are working to sell this misplaced narrative should mull the following;
Did Mingo deviate from the SoPs?
Did Mingo attempt to declare inaccurate results at Ashmins building?
Did Mingo deny political parties to examine the SoPs to ensure they are accurate at the GECOM Headquarters?
Did Mingo commit electoral fraud?
Did Mingo collude with others to undermine democracy and derail the electoral process?
Was Mingo given a chance to right the wrong he committed?
There are many other similar questions that could be asked.
But, taking into consideration the above questions and the fact that the people of Guyana suffered for 5 months as a result of his actions, the probe by the police and the subsequent charges are all the making of Mingo and no one else.
He got himself into this when he attempted what I consider an electoral coup, knowing there are serious consequences for such actions.
With that said, Mingo has another chance to make this right. He must say who are the intellectual authors of this crime. He must say what led to him deviating from the established process. He must say why he deviated.
The ball is now in Mingo’s court. He can choose to expose the intellectual authors behind the attempted rigging or condition his mind to face the consequences of that dastardly act of attempting to steal the will of the people. Whichever way it goes, justice will and must be served.
Guyanese are smart people and will not be fooled by the cries of racism and political persecution.
If you do the crime, prepare to do the time.

Respectfully,
Eddy Layne