Dear Editor,
Enthusiastic Guyanese went to the various polling stations on September 1st to vote for a Government to lead this nation for another five years in a peaceful, prosperous and progressive manner, as a democratic nation, one void of dictatorship. From all reports, responses and reviews, it was a transparent effort from GECOM and a successful exercise noted with only a few minor hiccups.
Is it the aftermath of sorrow and sadness, the “morning after” the election day right here in Guyana, that the suffering from pain and grief is disturbing some parties, politicians and people to feel disappointed, disheartened and dispirited? When you walk in mud, there is only one way you will come out. Both APNU and AFC have genuine reasons not to gravitate towards feeling comfortable, contented or cheerful.
There is the feeling that those not mentally lazy would think for themselves and not allow the element of shock to cast them in a mood to feel dejected, depressed or desolate! If “you try a thing”, the dice rolls in any direction for a luck and chance situation. When you play with fire, be prepared to get burnt. Is it already the morning to mourn a miserable melancholy for the ALP and FGM?
The element of surprise can often go either way. The WIN party has caused many of their competing “colleagues” sitting on the same side of the bench to become agitated, aggravated and agonised. WIN has some degree of elation to experience an exalted euphoria with excitement. But all that glitters is not gold. Is WIN prepared to face the consequences from what it did not bargain for or hoped to avoid, or face the music for what is in store for them?
The word “Santosh” has a Sanskrit origin and means ‘satisfaction’. The PPP/C has always been a party consumed with contentment. The trio of President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Prime Minister Mark Phillips are poised happily at this juncture. There is nothing to antagonise the party to become anguished or annoyed. What you sow, so shall you reap.
President Ali reflected, “It’s early in the day, but we did everything to plan a fantastic campaign. We ran a very positive campaign; one based on trust, commitment, and unity.” The Vice President unreservedly said. “From the party’s perspective, we had a good day, and I think the country had a good day.” A couple of days ago, Prime Minister Mark Phillips reminded a crowd, “This is all about progress for every Guyanese. This is the only national party of Guyana… When you vote for the PPP/C, you are voting for five more years of progress and development.”
Meanwhile, there is no doldrum from the delightful Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC). From their team of some 200 observers in all the regions, they were glad to report that “the electoral process was free, fair, and carried out in an atmosphere devoid of fear or intimidation”.
President Ali also congratulated the nation “on the peaceful electoral process held on September 1, during which thousands of Guyanese exercised their democratic right”.
The Ethnic Relations Commission further appealed to Guyanese, saying, “In anticipation of the results from GECOM, the ERC calls on all leaders of political parties to appeal to their supporters to remain calm and respectful and avoid actions that would build tensions in our society. Let harmony and good relations prevail.”
While GECOM committed itself to deliver the results of the 2025 Guyanese General and Regional Elections within the shortest possible time, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has also appealed to the nation “to be patient” and “maintain this peaceful posture”.
At the time of writing, it was announced that GECOM has received 61 per cent of the SoPs. APNU/AFC is yet to produce their acclaimed “winning SoPs” from the 2020 elections.
Unlike the 2020 Guyana elections, there will be no “shockingly brazen attempts made by Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo to hijack the 2025 elections”.
Yours respectfully,
Jai Lall
