Dear Editor,
I refer to the article titled ‘Surujbally urges reform of selection process for elections commissioners’ (SN March 4). I know that the former Gecom chairman means well, but I had to wonder if he had mixed up the medicines and tonics due to his regular patients, and those that should not be administered to people, himself included. What he has articulated aloud and publicly is a sure non-starter.
After all he was there at the helm of Gecom for almost a lifetime, he should know better. He had to have seen all and heard all; and all is immersed in pure absolute partisanship. It has never been otherwise; it cannot be otherwise. What else is there for those nominated and those representing to do, other than to draw a line and hold it come what may? It might be a shaky and invisible line, but held it must be.
Like Dr Surujbally, I hope and wish and dream (and exhort, too) for a different way only to find powerful reality rushing downhill towards me at the base. There is little company there. A different way means different people with different mentalities and visions and allegiances and character. Where are they to be found in this desolate bifurcated land?
For certainty, non-partisan commissioners would embody a superb unprecedented development. Again, whither are they? Further, which party is looking keenly, or at all, for such men and women? Even further, if they could be located, who is going to take them and insert them in the holy of holies?
Elections commissioners are expected, commanded, and determined to be partisan, and unyieldingly so with every fibre of their being. This is the political (and racial) fundamentalism of a most extreme strain that has always existed. Yes, it is virulent here in Guyana, and incurable, too. For Gecom is the final arbiter, the bowel, radar, and mother lode of life and death political and racial calculations and aspirations. Arguably, while there is much foundation for taking this (life and death) politically, it has literal relevance, too.
In the context of Guyanese elections, Gecom commissioners are mandated to hew to certain commandments written in stone and emanating from party HQs. The first is: Thou shalt not waver. Never! The second is: Thou shalt not admit. Ever! And the third commandment is: Thou shalt not concede. Forever! There must be unwavering insistence that fraud has been committed; even if there was none. And similarly, there must be the maintaining, justifying, and perpetuating of actual fraud when such do occur on the ground, as has been the custom.
In both instances, this is where red-meat, carefully handpicked, and studiously indoctrinated partisan commissioners (all known and proven quantities) earn their spurs; they also cement a place and standing in party legends for their heroics during election season. Whether lawyer, doctor, educator, soldier, or philosopher (self-created) all are reduced to the ignominy and vilification of hacks, through what they do, and what they don’t do.
Gecom is not the place for conscience or country, or the quandary of qualms. It is not a housing scheme for moderates, as this is too risky and leaving things to chance and thought processes; and if moderates and centrists are persona non grata in this sacred realm, then rank outsiders can never be seen as fit and proper. Even the lesser standard of fit or proper would find them lacking in the eyes of the scrutineers and decision-makers. Thus, Gecom, the selection process, and the people themselves must be emblematic of the hardcore of hardcore partisans.
Gecom without partisans is Guyana without racial politics. Gecom without partisans is the Vatican without Roman Catholics; or the Pacific Ocean without salt water. It is here to stay. To Dr Surujbally I say: sail off into the sunset, and enjoy it.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall