The post-election crisis in the country has negatively contributed to the business climate, the Guyana Manu-facturing and Services Association (GMSA) has said, as it called for a democratic and timely resolution to the present impasse.
The GMSA, in statement on Tuesday, add its voice to those calling for a transparent process of verification of votes cast at the general and regional elections of March 2.
The association said that business thrives on political stability and given the events post elections, “the current impasse is very disruptive. It threatens to erode gains made through the support of our regional and international partners and widens ethnic divisions.”
“Failure to settle the election issues in a timely manner, currently compounded by the global coronavirus pandemic, is creating hardships for the entire community, inclusive of both employers and employees. Layoffs have already commenced at some companies and may be expanding,” the GMSA said.
The statement added that the GMSA supports the “verification of votes cast, in all regions, in a manner that sustains confidence in our electoral process, and that establishes mature governance of our country for present and future generations. This will redound to a good business climate, and secure livelihoods.”
The GMSA pleaded with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to enact appropriate actions to be taken to defuse the present “dangerous and volatile environment.
“We recognise the specific roles ascribed to political parties, civil society, and, as outlined in our Constitution, in consort with the neutral presence of both local and international observers. Nevertheless, we call on the political parties and GECOM to put the interest of Guyanese citizens first in all decisions and actions. The verification of all votes, based on established transparent procedures and processes in accordance with the relevant laws, remains a prudent course of action, for all regions and districts,” the GMSA said.
A month after the polls, GECOM is yet to officially declare the final results.
