Political parties must respect recount results – GGDMA

As the curtains draw on the much-anticipated national ballot recount from the March 2 polls, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has called on all political parties to support and respect the national elections recount.
The organisation on Saturday joined the calls expressed by several international and local entities that Guyana should move forward in a democratic and peaceful environment.
According to the GGDMA, all political parties must “respect the process of the recount and follow the laws of Guyana. The GGDMA repeats its call for the transition of Government to only take place in line with transparent and democratic principles that lead to credible results.”
It further indicated that any Government that is sworn-in based on non-credible results “will not receive desired public support and international recognition”. The statement also highlighted the consequences of sanctions on the country’s third-world economy.
The mining association added that it is concerning that Guyana could face sanctions that would cripple our fledgeling economy. “We need the support and backing of our international partners to not only purchase our exports, but also, as a net importer, to give us access to many of the goods we rely on in our daily lives.”
According to the GGDMA, the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the need for funding – something which cannot be put at risk.
“Thus far, no significant funding for our fight against the COVID-19 disease has been forthcoming and it is unlikely that substantial assistance will be given to an illegitimate regime. All Guyanese will face the harsh consequences as access to the funding made available by the World Bank, the IDB, the United Nations, and other global partners will be meagre at best and non-existent at worst. We urge all parties to work diligently towards concluding a sound process that provides the democratic outcome that all Guyanese need and deserve,” the association pointed out.
On Friday, the international community was very vocal about the need for stakeholders to “peacefully accept the wishes of the Guyanese population”, saying, “as this process concludes, it is important for all stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the process.”
The sentiments were communicated in a joint statement on Friday by Ambassadors Sarah-Ann Lynch, for the US Government along with British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee, and the Ambassador of the European Union, Fernando Ponz-Canto.
Acknowledging “there will be disappointment for those who have lost”, diplomatic representatives for the United States, Canada and the European Union (EU) called on party leaders to commit to constitutional reform and reconciliation to ensure every Guyanese, regardless of party affiliation, sees how their Government will work in their best interest.
According to the plenipotentiary representatives, with the recount process concluded, “those who are elected must take on this responsibility with humility and demonstrate that they will govern for the benefit of every Guyanese citizen.”