In condemning the APNU+AFC coalition’s announcement that it has a commanding lead in yesterday’s general elections, President Donald Ramotar this afternoon said that it was his PPP/C which is leading by over 30,000 votes with most of the Statements of Poll counted.
Decrying the coalition’s declaration about 90 minutes earlier that its lead is so big after counting 85% of the votes that it is difficult for the gap to be closed, Ramotar announced almost similar figures but this time it was switched in the ruling party’s favour. He said that the party leads by 182,664 votes to that of the coalition’s 151, 095.
Making it clear that he was not declaring any results the president said that he is very confident of his party returning to office but said that there was some “skullduggery” that happened in yesterday’s elections and these were forwarded to GECOM. Not saying he would eventually challenge the results the president said that he wants every vote that would have been cast for his party.
The declarations by the two groups will push GECOM into a quandary. GECOM has already come under public pressure for its slow issuing of results and it is unclear when it would be able to present a final result considering the positions announced by the two contestants today.
PRESS STATEMENT BY PPP/C PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DONALD RAMOTAR
PPP condemns Opposition’s declaration
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has noted the APNU-AFC’s election declaration despite GECOM’s continuous warnings against such acts.
Our Party views this action by the Opposition as reckless and a wanton demonstration of disregard for the related consequences which can lead to instability.
This is clearly a continuous trend by the Opposition to compromise the integrity of the May 11 elections. The PPP has its own tally based upon the Statements of Poll but refuse to make a declaration.
We have shown tremendous restraint in this regard and continue to respect and abide by the conditions set out by GECOM. We believe that is the most responsible action to be taken during this sensitive period.
While we remain optimistic of continuing in office, our Party has always demonstrated a sense responsibility with regards to Guyana and Guyanese. The same cannot be said for the Opposition.
Their irresponsible declaration creates a dangerous situation given that GECOM is yet to announce the official results. We believe that this latest reckless action by the Opposition is in keeping with their plan to build false hopes in the minds of their supporters.
The PPP calls on GECOM and the observers to condemn this action by the Opposition given the unfortunate consequences it can precipitate for our country.
At this point our figures show that we are in the lead. The count we have is as follows: PPP/C 182,664 and APNU-AFC 151,095 from 2213 Statements of Poll.
