Urgent action needed to address electoral fraud cases

Dear Editor,
There is an overwhelming deep concern and need for urgency regarding the frustrating delays in treating electoral fraud cases that plague our beloved nation.
In the heart of Guyana, a nation grapples with the shadows of electoral discontent. The aftermath of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections has left scars on the fabric of our democracy. These wounds cannot heal until our Judiciary appropriately addresses those fraud cases, serves justice, and upholds accountability.
With profound dismay, we witness the prolonged delay in addressing these grave allegations of fraud. The individuals implicated, including former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, former District Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, and others stand accused of violating the very foundations of our democracy. After three long years, they continue manipulatively dodging the trial in the courts with abuse of the system in place.
Notably, lead persons in the Opposition APNU openly support the riggers’ actions, which have undermined the integrity of our electoral process, eroded the Guyanese people’s trust and confidence in our democratic institutions, and sparked widespread outrage and a demand for swift justice.
More seriously, in the face of a lack of closure to these fraud cases is the call from the PNC’s once strong man, Hamilton Greene, for the PNC to continue “rigging” elections.
The emboldened gravity of the riggers’ actions in the March 2020 General and Regional Elections has not only left a mark on the democratic fabric of this beloved country, but has also spotlighted the urgent need for accountability and justice in the wake of serious allegations of electoral fraud. This call to action echoes deeply within a society yearning for the principles of democracy to be highly supported, where the delay in addressing these allegations has not only eroded trust in democratic institutions, but has also threatened the very foundation of democratic integrity.
The revelations from the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the 2020 elections are nothing short of damning. They unveiled disturbing instances where GECOM staff ignored specific instructions of the courts and sided with APNU+AFC agents to berate observers when accredited observers from the various participating political parties raised objections.
Further, the CoI report exposed the collusion and collaboration among senior GECOM officials to subvert the people’s will and manipulate the election results in favour of the APNU/AFC, while highlighting a glaring vulnerability in the democratic process and the imperative to safeguard it against exploitation.
These revelations are a stark reminder of the fragility of our democracy, and the urgent need to protect it from those who seek to exploit and abuse their power for personal gain.
The courts are called on to act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators of electoral fraud to justice. The delay tactics employed by the accused and their legal representatives must not be tolerated, for every day that justice is delayed is another day that the principles of democracy remain undermined, silencing the voices of the Guyanese people.
Transparency and accountability are not mere buzzwords, but are fundamental pillars upon which our democracy stands. We cannot afford to allow impunity to reign supreme, nor pay any heed to the egregious abuses of power that have tainted our electoral process. The time for action is now, and the Guyanese people demand nothing less than a thorough and impartial investigation, followed by swift and decisive legal proceedings.
A comparison with electoral contention resolution mechanisms in the USA is instructive. There, electoral disputes such as those witnessed following the 2020 presidential elections led to swift legal challenges and expeditious navigation of the matters by the Judicial system. With its capacity for rapid response to electoral disputes, the American legal system showcases the importance of an efficient, transparent, and decisive legal process in maintaining trust in electoral outcomes and the broader democratic system. This contrast underscores the critical delays in Guyana’s handling of electoral fraud cases, urging an immediate and robust response to restore confidence among the Guyanese populace. If left unchecked, it could have far-reaching consequences for the stability and prosperity of our nation, particularly as we approach the next elections.
The delay in addressing these cases exacerbates the situation, fuelling frustration and disillusionment among the Guyanese people. We must restore faith by promptly demonstrating the service of justice, regardless of one’s political affiliation or position of power.
Consequently, the call for transparency, accountability, and swift legal action is not just a demand for justice in response to past transgressions, but a clarion call for protecting democratic values moving forward. This scenario demands an unequivocal response from the Guyanese Judiciary in the strongest possible terms. Just as the US has demonstrated the capacity to navigate electoral disputes promptly, Guyana is now called upon to act with the same urgency and determination. The Guyanese people’s faith in their democratic institutions hangs in the balance, hinging on the ability of the Judiciary to bring perpetrators to justice and demonstrate that no individual is above the law. The future of our democracy depends on it, and the Guyanese people deserve nothing less than a fair, transparent and responsible electoral process.
The Judiciary’s role in restoring faith in the democratic process is pivotal. By addressing the electoral fraud cases with the urgency and seriousness they deserve, Guyana can heal the wounds of past elections and strengthen its democracy for the future. The time for action is now; the people of Guyana, and indeed all who cherish democratic integrity, await a decisive response.
Sincerely,
Neil Kumar