September 1 polls: Choose peace over division – Roman Catholic Bishop appeals to Guyanese
As Guyana prepares for its September 1 National Elections, Bishop of Georgetown, Francis Alleyne, has called on citizens to embrace peace, unity and justice, urging that the country must not allow past wounds to fuel division.
In a statement released this week, Most Reverend Francis Dean Alleyne, OSB, the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Georgetown, Guyana, reminded the electorate of their sacred responsibility, quoting scripture: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a people set apart to sing the praises of God who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Pet 2:9)
OSB Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Georgetown, Guyana, Most Reverend Francis Dean Alleyne
The bishop stressed that the nation stands at a crucial crossroads – facing both the risk of unrest and the promise of transformation. “We are at a moment of great possibility – a time to choose peace rooted in justice and democracy grounded in truth,” he said. Reflecting on a recent civic initiative titled “Just Electoral Peace,” which brought together regional experts from Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, Bishop Alleyne noted that Guyana could draw lessons from its neighbours, where respect for electoral systems, independent institutions and civil society helped to sustain peace amid ethnic and political differences.
“Electoral peace is not merely the absence of violence, but the presence of reconciliation, fair systems, mutual respect and shared values,” he emphasised. “Guyana, too, can walk this path, but peace must be cultivated. It requires trust – in our systems, in one another, and most importantly, in the values of justice, equality and truth”.
Bishop Alleyne underscored the importance of cultivating trust – both in democratic systems and in one another – while encouraging citizens to support institutions that are transparent and to strengthen civil society. He highlighted the need for honesty about the country’s history and a collective commitment to healing. Special emphasis was placed on the youth, whom he described as the torchbearers of a new political culture. “Many are disillusioned, yet they carry the hope of a society free from ethnic division. Let us listen to them, empower them, and walk beside them,” Bishop Alleyne urged.
Calling on the faithful and the wider public, he appealed for a spirit of conscience and reconciliation on election day. “Engage peacefully and faithfully in these elections – not as partisan followers, but as bearers of light and life that emanates from faith. Vote with conscience. Reject division. Support justice. And pray without ceasing for our nation.”
The upcoming elections will determine the composition of Guyana’s 13th Parliament, with both national and regional seats up for grabs.
Among the contesting parties are the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which forms the current Government; A Partnership for National Unity (APNU); the Alliance for Change (AFC); and We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), Forward Guyana Movement (FGM).
