Dear Editor,
I sincerely hope that by the time you read this letter, Gecom would have already made the official results of the historic May 11 elections known. That being said, we must call a spade a spade. Gecom has done a good job in some areas, but it remains technologically backward and has displayed gross incompetence in others. Why should the Guyanese people have to wait for 48 hours or more for the commission to count/recount, verify and announce the results of an election where not even half a million people voted?
In the age of What’s App, Skype, Joinme, LogMeIn and so many other means of transmitting information from the most remote parts of the planet instantaneously, why the long wait? I can appreciate the need for accuracy. Chief Election Officer Lowenfield took the time to explain a scenario in which he would not be able to release a SOP if it is short by one or exceeded by one. Sounds really responsible and smart, right? Nonsense! Quite often, in the United States, England, Canada, France, Jamaica, Trinidad and so many other countries the results are made public even before the count is completed because the remaining uncounted ballots could not possibly change the outcome where there is a significant lead.
Secondly, Gecom must learn to balance the need for accuracy with the need for social responsibility to the electorate. These elections have taken place at a time when the average Guyanese citizen be they Black, Indian, rich poor, deaf or dumb has had enough of a government that has embarrassed them, insulted them, robbed them and sold them out. It is time for a change! Not simply a change in government but a change in the way we think and operate as a people. Gecom must for all intents and purposes be willing to change too. They must be sensitive to the needs of the people. Dragging out the announcement of the results will only incense the people. By doing this, they are creating an atmosphere of great unease. Businesses are closed, children are not at school learning, everyone is tense; the nation holds its collective breath. Why the long wait?
Finally, notwithstanding all that was previously said, my Guyanese brothers and sisters must be commended for keeping the peace. They have been tolerant (a little too much so for my liking), they have been patient; let us wait on Gecom. Hopefully…prayerfully, the people have elected a new government that will hit the ground running from day one. The task ahead is monumental but the indomitable spirit of the Guyanese people will prevail. We have made it through almost 20 years and today we are still standing.
Yours faithfully,
Robert MF Bourne
