Religious bodies call for Granger to concede defeat

…say action causing mistrust, hate and fear

As pressure continues to mount for a creditable declaration of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections based on the results from a National Recount which show a victory for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, several religious organisations have now joined calls for caretaker President David Granger to concede his defeat.

Among the organisations calling for the coalition leader to accept defeat was the Arya Samaj community of Guyana.
In a statement issued on Saturday by President of Guyana Central Arya Samaj, Dr Kumar Sukhraj, and President of the Berbice Central Arya Samaj, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, it was emphasised that the recount was well-executed under the watchful eyes of the representatives of several local and international organisations and from which a winner has been identified.
“The winners have been identified. Even GECOM has made a decision to accept the recount results, that is that the PPP/C has won the elections. The entire world through its individual and collective representatives is calling on you to accept the results of the March 2nd General Elections as was revealed by the recount. Elections are held every five years in a democracy and must reflect the will of the people. A true leader recognises and lives with this,” the statement identified.

Misleading loyal supporters
The religious body further contended that the current stance taken by Granger does not encourage better relations among the Guyanese people, nor does it promote peace.
The organisation said to the caretaker Head of State, “By unlawfully holding on to power and misleading your loyal supporters, you are creating an atmosphere of mistrust, hate and fear. When this is over, we as Guyanese will have to live together, help one another and be there for each other…Your present posturing does not bode well for relations amongst Guyanese, for peaceful co-existence and love for each other. It is instead causing more pain especially to your loyal supporters, who are still holding on to your words as a beacon.”
Meanwhile, the Inter-Religious Dialogue also shared their input in the current crisis, recognising the PPP as the “clear winner”. As such, calls mounted for Granger and his party to concede with dignity.
Its missive read, “It is without a doubt that the incumbent APNU/AFC party has lost the elections, status as Government and the presidency.”
The IRD backed its position by referring to a summary of the tabulated recount data, which showed the parliamentary Opposition securing a landslide victory over the APNU/AFC.
It also quoted the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Observer Mission which shared, “Despite our concerns, nothing that we witnessed warrants a challenge to the inescapable conclusion that the recount results are acceptable and should constitute the basis of the declaration of the results of the March 02, 2020 elections.
Meanwhile, on Friday, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha had expressed similar sentiments, calling for democracy and accountability to be respected by the Guyana Elections Commission and to ensure that all the votes cast and the will of the Guyanese people be reflected in its declaration.