Trampling upon democracy in the name of “Sovereignty”

The APNU/AFC are clearly “unbothered” at the warnings from the most powerful capitals in the world about sanctions that would face Guyana if a government is formed on the basis of fraudulent elections’ results. The APNU/AFC – led by caretaker President David Granger — are hell bent on holding on to power using the same old tricks that were practised by then President Forbes Burnham decades ago. What they do not realise is that, this time around, the ball game has changed, as the internal and external forces are different. The world values democratic governance and the general fundamentals of democracy as a whole, an important aspect being free and fair elections.
Just a few days ago, Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, Dr Riyad Insanally, was summoned to a meeting with Assistant Secretary of State, Michael Kozak. It is almost certain that what Kozack had said to the Ambassador in that meeting had restated the position of the US Administration: that it would not take lightly the formation of a government here based on questionable elections results. Along with Washington, other superpowers have made their positions clearly known on this matter, hence irrespective of what is the outcome of the legal challenge to the vote recount case, the results of the March polls would only be accepted if a credible vote recount process for District Four is conducted.
Mere days after the Ambassador was summoned, in a typical act of defiance, the Government, through the caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings, issued a statement ‘reminding’ the international community that Guyana is a ‘sovereign state’, meaning that the APNU/AFC would not allow foreign powers to intervene in our domestic issues.
It is a fact that Guyana is a sovereign state, but, at the same time, we claim to be part of a democratic fold of nations, and we are also signatory to a number of international conventions and agreements which compel us to adhere to certain basic democratic norms. One of those norms is ensuring that citizens are allowed the opportunity to elect a government of their choice in a free, fair and transparent manner.
In its statement, the Foreign Affairs Ministry further claimed that the Executive branch of Government has “never tried to influence, interfere with, or instruct GECOM in any way. The electoral process is not yet completed, and no declaration has been made by GECOM.”
However, based on all that is coming to the fore, we — along with the entire nation — know that this is far from the truth, and we say no more.
In the Ministry’s statement, reference was also made to the aborted Caricom-supervised recount of the votes from the March 2 General and Regional Elections. Caricom’s supervision of the recount was sought by caretaker President David Granger and agreed to by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, Caricom, and GECOM. That was until Ulita Moore, a candidate in Granger’s own party, secured a High Court injunction against the recount. As expected, Granger has so far distanced himself from the case.
Writing in Monday’s online edition of the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, respected Caribbean personality Reginald Dumas asked: Why would Granger have invited Caricom to “supervise” the recounting of Region 4 ballots…if – so we now hear – it is “unconstitutional” for Caricom so to do? Did Granger know that at the time of his invitation? Why would PM Mia Mottley have later mused that “there are forces that do not want to see the votes recounted, for whatever reason? Why a sudden stoppage of the vote count for Region 4, followed by the disappearance of the Returning Officer and the appearance of a spreadsheet purporting to prove that the ruling coalition has won?
Guyana cannot claim to be democratic and a basic element of allowing citizens to choose their government is missing. In times such as this, when citizens’ democratic rights are trampled upon and they are fearful of being victimized, it is the duty of the international community to act. In these past elections, one could only imagine what would have happened here had international community and international observers remained silent.
Like many others, we have also asked: If the APNU/AFC are so confident of victory, why is every effort being made to stymie the vote recount process. Dumas is of the view that it would be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t believe that a determinedly cynical and focused attempt is being made by the David Granger Administration to stay in office. This is also the view of many others.