People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) presidential candidate Irfaan Ali yesterday once again appealed to his party’s supporters for calm, while saying that opposition has activated legal recourses to ensure that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) adheres to the law in the tabulation of votes for Region Four at last Monday’s elections.
“I wish to commend the people of Guyana for their unrelenting commitment to maintaining respect for our democracy and the inalienable right of Guyanese to elect a government of their choice. To our supporters, I wish to urge you to remain calm and respectful of the established processes,” Ali said in a statement.
“We urge every Guyanese, including our supporters to remain alert, calm and exercise patience. The party will continually provide guidance on the way forward,” he later added.
Ali once again lamented that the statutory procedures were followed in nine regions to the satisfaction of all stakeholders, but was varied in Region Four. “Undoubtedly, these efforts were designed to rig the elections,” he said.
With the party moving to the court to ensure that the vote count is completed according to the law, Ali said he had confidence in the judicial system to protect the country’s democracy, which was clearly under threat.
“I believe the judicial process will ensure GECOM adheres to the statutory tabulation of the Region 4 [Statements of Poll]. I believe this is not a time for divisiveness or rhetoric which can harm the fabric of our democracy. I urge restraint,” he said.
“The people of Guyana, particularly our supporters, are not alone in this defence of our electoral process. The international community and persons of all backgrounds at home and in the diaspora are making their voices heard resoundingly in support of our collective desire for free and fair elections. We are together in this struggle and I commit to you that we will not rest or waver until your rights and vote in these elections are counted and represent your true will,” he added.
