EU, Commonwealth, Carter Center observer missions `gravely concerned’ over Region Four count

On the heels of the pullout today of the OAS observer mission, the missions from the Commonwealth, the European Union and the Carter Center today expressed grave concern about the continued lack of transparency in the determination of the March 2nd election results for Region Four.

In a joint statement, they also charged that the Region Four count was not complying with Wednesday’s decision by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George.

The OAS mission withdrew in consternation over the lack of transparency of the Region Four count.

A statement by the three missions follows:

Joint Statement from International Observers in Guyana

 

 

GEORGETOWN (13 March, 2020) – The international observer missions from the Commonwealth, the European Union, and The Carter Center issue the following statement:

The international election observation missions in Guyana are deeply concerned about the continued lack of transparency in the ascertainment of results for Region 4.

The order of the Honourable Chief Justice on 11 March was not followed. The tabulation process did not resume on 12 March as mandated by the court. When the tabulation process was resumed on 13 March, it was not in line with the judgement, which required public tabulation as a safeguard and a measure for promoting transparency and accountability. The Chief Justice reasserted today that the actual Statements of Poll have to be displayed in this process.

 

The orders issued with the judgement should be complied with, and the tabulation process conducted and concluded accordingly. Unless and until this is done in Region 4, the election results cannot be considered credible.

 

The international election observation missions encourage all stakeholders to use all available means to conclude the electoral process in a transparent manner.

 

We again urge all political parties to adhere to the codes of conduct they signed and to do their utmost to ensure that a peaceful environment is maintained.