GEORGETOWN – The Commonwealth Group of Ministers has expressed concern about the ongoing situation in Guyana regarding the elections, noting that it has grave concern that the credible and transparent counting and tabulation of every vote in Region 4 have been persistently frustrated.
In its statement on Thursday, following a meeting earlier this week, the Group said it stands ready, along with its partners, to provide assistance to ensure a credible and transparent conclusion to the electoral process in accordance with the will of the people as expressed in the March 2 elections.
The Commonwealth Group of Ministers stated that a Government which is sworn in without a credible and fully transparent vote count and tabulation process would lack legitimacy.
The Ministers have agreed to keep Guyana on the formal agenda and, where necessary, to convene an extraordinary meeting to discuss the situation and explore appropriate options.
They also commended the efforts of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the invitation of President David Granger and the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition, to support the transparent and credible counting of ballots under the authority of the Guyana Elections Commission.
While expressing regret that the CARICOM team was forced to end its visit because of the Court action and other concerns, the Group called on the Commonwealth Secretary-General to remain engaged on the situation in Guyana.
Noting that the Constitution of Guyana clearly states that sovereignty belongs to the people of Guyana and recognising the GECOM Chairman’s undertaking that votes will be recounted, the Commonwealth Group of Ministers also stated that “Guyana’s judiciary continues to be seized with protracted litigation on issues of national importance”.
(CMC)
