The Organisation of American States (OAS) today said it was looking forward to a proclamation of March 2nd as the date for long-awaited general elections here and it urged an end to the political uncertainty that has gripped Guyana.
The statement by the influential hemispheric grouping underlined the growing international concern about the government’s conduct here. The US, the UK, the European Union and the Commonwealth have chided the Guyana Government for functioning unconstitutionally. CARICOM has however remained silent.
President David Granger is yet to proclaim a date for general elections or to dissolve Parliament. On Wednesday he named March 2nd as the date but set a condition. On Thursday he backtracked and said March 2nd was the firm date. He has however not issued a proclamation or dissolved Parliament.
The US, UK and the EU have said that development aid to Guyana will be affected by virtue of the state of unconstitutionality.
The Guyana Elections Commission has also contributed to the period of unconstitutionality by naming the end of February, 2020 as the earliest date for elections when the constitution required a shorter period.
Statement from the OAS General Secretariat on Elections in Guyana
The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) has taken note of the announcement by President David Granger that the next general and regional elections in Guyana will be held on March 2, 2020.
The OAS General Secretariat underlines the importance to the people of Guyana of leaving behind the period of political uncertainty as soon as possible.
The OAS General Secretariat looks forward to the issuance of the proclamation required by Guyana’s Constitution to firmly establish the date for the elections.
The General Secretariat will continue to follow the situation in Guyana and remains available to provide support as the authorities may require in ensuring the next elections meet the standards of transparency, credibility and integrity, required of all democracies.