In a statement released yesterday the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has reiterated that there is no breakdown in the rule of law in Guyana and stressed that the APNU+AFC coalition government remains in place until a successor is declared and sworn-in in its stead.
The statement was released in response to a “summons” received by Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Dr. Riyad Insanally from Acting Assistant Secretary of State Michael Kozak.
Kozak had announced on Thursday that he summoned Insanally to convey his government’s “firm position that any government sworn in based on flawed election results would not be legitimate.”
In response the Guyana government through the MoFA “for the benefit of all international partners and friends” affirmed “that Guyana remains a sovereign state governed by the rule of law.”
While expressing appreciation for the role and work of all the invited observers, the statement noted that General and Regional Elections 2020 were conducted according to the Constitution and Laws of Guyana on March 2, 2020 and that the electoral process is managed by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), an independent body, constitutionally mandated to conduct and manage, free, fair, and transparent elections.
“The executive branch of Government has never tried to influence, interfere with or instruct GECOM in any way,” the Ministry said, adding that the electoral process is not yet completed and no declaration has been made by GECOM.
It further noted that the executive branch attempted, sincerely and in good faith, to find a way forward by inviting a team from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to conduct a recount but the Supreme Court has been approached and has intervened. The court intervened on the basis of an action brought by a candidate of the governing coalition.
“Its rulings, which are still being awaited, will be respected in accordance with the Constitution and Laws of Guyana,” the statement concluded.
