Dear Editor,
We do not profess to understand all your powers, functions and challenges since you were appointed to Chair GECOM. Neither do we know your budgetary limitations.
We were shocked before when an old bed sheet was used as a screen and an entire work location moved instead of finding equipment to continue the tabulation at the original location.
This letter addresses the limited concerns that were gleaned from your email of April 17, 2020, which was widely shared. It reads in part that the decision of how many tables will be used for the recounting is “…subject to the availability of requisite equipment and the technology to display the ballots”.
In the style to which you are accustomed, we submit to you the following. Whatever is needed in terms of equipment, technology, or tables are available right in Guyana and can be donated by generous citizens who have been volunteering their time and resources to ensure that the results of the elections meet the standards set out in the law.
We suggest that you send out a plea locally for these to be loaned or gifted to the Commission so that it can complete its task within 10 days with as many counting stations as necessary. If these are not promised by local contributors within 24 hours of your plea for help please let us know and we will attempt to get it for you.
In anticipation that this may be considered an interference in the affairs of an independent nation please take note of certain facts.
According to the World Bank reports in 2010, about 56.6 per cent of the citizens (those born in Guyana) live abroad. More have left since and there is no dispute that more Guyanese live outside than inside Guyana. Thousands of them returned to vote in 2020 as they did in previous elections as implored by all political parties who come overseas often for donations and other forms of support. Those who spent thousands of dollars and risked their health and safety to exercise their franchise have an interest in the election results. They usually receive these a few hours after voting.
An ad hoc group in the Greater Toronto Area sensed since December 2018 that there would be delays in the process of deciding which party will form the next Government. After March 5, 2020, they foresaw that the opposition forces and all the international observers would constantly have to put up with inordinate delays and embarrassment even though they were invited guests. Consequently, these Canadians and others interested in democratic principles have been communicating with Governments in their countries of residence asking for personal sanctions (instead of national sanctions) against the few who are the riggers of the electoral process.
Secondly, these countries seem to threaten widespread sanctions only if and after there is an illegal process leading to the declaration of the next President. These overseas Guyanese are so angry that they are bombarding their elected representatives with letters and petitions.
Over the years, Guyanese abroad have been helping the various political parties at home irrespective of which one forms the Government, to fulfil their social contract with the governed. Monetary remittances are not insignificant. Neither are the barrels regularly shipped and constant voluntary contributions to health, education and social services. Some have even repaired their public schools, furnished them with books, computers and necessary educational materials. Food distribution and medical outreaches are other examples of frequent charitable work.
You were the keynote speaker at one graduation ceremony at Saraswati Vidya Niketan, the private Hindu school at Cornelia Ida WCD, which had significant support of funds, equipment and supplies from North American friends. You will agree that it continues to be one of the top secondary schools in the country. These Guyanese are quite concerned about the inexplicable delays in the election results and are vigorously supporting the ACBE and other countries’ efforts to see this nightmare end.
Our only condition to help is not complicated. We hope it is clear enough to avoid interpretation by the courts. We are donors who see no merit in expensive, unpredictable and time-consuming litigation. All equipment loaned shall be returned and all gifts must be used only in this process of recounting. Some depreciation is expected.
We all hope common sense will prevail, creating a new path for the survival of this struggling democracy. It will be like a breath of Caribbean fresh air when this chapter of our sordid history is closed and we can all go on with as normal a life as permitted by COVID-19.
Finally, we expect the situation to change and we do not look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Ramnarine Sahadeo
On behalf of many impatient and angry supporters of democracy in Canada and USA
