Dear Editor,
The intemperate outburst by the President on Navin Chandarpal after he correctly argued that “secret ballot is a right and not a privilege” (Stabroek News, January 21) is a watershed moment in Guyana and the history of the PPP, once considered the beacon of hope in the struggle for democracy.
Navin more than any one else is fully acquainted with electoral fraud, not only at the level of national elections under the PNC, but also at the University of Guyana where the student council elections were massively rigged. In the early ’70s Navin led one of the most successful student councils on campus. In an effort to temper the militancy of the UG students the administration resorted to electoral fraud to prevent progressive students from being elected. As a student, youth and political leader in Guyana Navin’s exemplary quality stands out, having illuminated youths world wide. Mudslinging will not tarnish his image. His achievements need not be recounted here since this letter is about the secret ballot.
History does not always repeat itself, except in Guyana it seems, for example, at the TUC special delegates’ conference in 1978 to discuss the famous referendum.
Before the vote was taken on the referendum Dr Jagan moved for the process to be done through a secret ballot. Despite a strong protest from the militant unions that included President of NACCIE Mr Aston Chase and the CCWU’s Gordon Todd, the resolution was adopted by a show of hands. Later, an irate Joseph Pollydore complained bitterly about the referendum and the new constitution. Dr Harold Lutchman of the University of Guyana Staff Association fired back stating that the TUC support for the referendum was tantamount to the “turkeys voting for an early Christmas,” much to the amusement of the delegates. (This statement had originally emanated from a British politician.)
The right to a fair and free vote is enshrined in the United Nations covenant on civil and political rights. In this regard, the free expression of the will of the people can only be ensured by a secret ballot that guarantees confidentiality. Today democracy is on trial, this time by the PPP. The secret ballot is a sacred and critical variable for true democracy.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
