Dear Editor,
At its statutory meeting of 27th August, after listening to deliberations on both sides, decisions were taken on how the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will proceed in fulfilling its mandate to hold General and Regional Elections. In the Chair, Justice Claudette Singh’s deliberation two critical elements were outlined “credible elections” and that said elections must be held in the “shortest possible time” These statements are consistent with the 12th July Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and 14th August acting Chief Justice’s rulings.
Justice Singh SC further stated the measures taken to achieve both “credible” and “early elections” are: 1) reduction of time originally allotted for House-to-House Registration; 2) there will be a “merg[ing]” of the “data garnered from [the present] registration exercise…with the existing National Register of Registrants Database;” 3) “all arrangements for publication of a credible Preliminary List of Electors…” will be put in place; and 4) an “extensive Claim and Objections exercise” which will follow the above.
Since Justice Singh was appoint-ed 29th July this is her first detailed directive on how GECOM will proceed. We can be assured this followed an indepth assessment of the body’s role and responsibility to navigate this period of electoral demand and need. The Chair has not failed Guyana with her shrewd judgment and it is evident at the statutory meeting the opportunities were given for all sides to be heard and a consensus followed.
Notwithstanding this, once again, despite the credibility and professionalism that Justice Singh brings to GECOM and the transparency of the process, the nation is faced with and about to be bombarded with a plethora of misinformation as to her ruling and its implications for the Guyanese electorate. This is being done at the behest of some politicians and their surrogates. It is unacceptable and must be stopped.
We are already beginning to see a repeat of the malicious distortion of the CCJ and other rulings that has thrown this society in confusion. Instead of seeking primary sourced information many acquire their knowledge and understanding of what is happening from opinion leaders of their preference. Many of these are driven by agendas to serve one or the other political master and not the common good.
Justice Singh has set a tone and standard worthy of emulation by the interim Government and the interim Opposition. She has done what this nation has not seen in recent times, outside of the court of law, which is to arrive at a conclusion/decision that demonstrates that in a situation of different perspectives there can be consensus, with both parties receiving some degree satisfaction.
This nation is reminded and called to take note that the interim Opposition, led by Mr. Jagdeo and its Members are failing to fulfill their constitutional role in the National Assembly, for which they are still receiving a monthly salary. This is almost the equivalency of workers being on strike but receiving full pay, a situation no other worker in Guyana can enjoy for such length of period without being fired.
GECOM has brought to our awareness and consciousness that compromise is not a bad word. It is a significant aspect of decision-making and conflict resolution. Having achieved that at this level, what is necessary now is for the parties and their agents to act in good faith and respect each other’s rights and gains coming out of this process. This is necessary for this country of ours to move forward as a unitary force.
It is time for Mr. Jagdeo to stop fueling the media drama and antics and return to work and recognise that this nation’s differences can be settled in the National Assembly, including the management of our natural resources, and not in constant brawl and display of the vernacular.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
