Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland yesterday warned that if the voter tabulation for Region Four was not completed in accordance with Wednesday’s ruling by Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, it would constitute a “serious violation of the fundamental political values of the Commonwealth”.
Observers say this could lead to Guyana being referred to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group and then possibly expulsion from the grouping.
In a statement, Scotland said she was deeply concerned by the refusal of the Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, to comply with the ruling of the court, which it said was unambiguous that public and transparent tabulation of the Statement of Polls (SOPs) was required to ensure the credibility of the process and address continued contentions regarding the tabulation and declaration of election results.
“I am deeply concerned that the Returning Officer for Region 4 has so far refused to comply with the ruling of the Court,” Scotland warned ahead of the subsequent controversial declaration of the results.
Scotland added that the Commonwealth Charter, to which Guyana ascribes, recognises the inalienable right of individuals to participate in democratic processes, in particular through free and fair elections in shaping the society in which they live.
“There is still time for the Guyana Elections Commission, including the Chairperson, the Commissioners, the Chief Elections Officer, and Returning Officer for Region 4 to ensure democracy is preserved in Guyana. The people of Guyana are fully deserving of this,” she said.
“I have noted the concerns contained in previous statements issued by the Commonwealth Observer Group in Guyana, and those issued by other observers and member governments on the ongoing vote tabulation process in Guyana. If the tabulation of Region 4 results is not immediately and satisfactorily addressed in accordance with the ruling of the Acting Chief Justice, this would represent a serious violation of the fundamental political values of the Commonwealth,” she added.
