Continuing to perform the functions of President in a caretaker capacity, President David Granger in his address to mark Guyana’s 54th anniversary of independence yesterday has called on Guyanese to await the declaration of results from the March 2nd general elections.
“I urge you, also, to await the declaration of the results of the General and Regional Elections which were held on 2nd March. The Elections Commission, which is the sole authority charged with administering the elections in accordance with our Constitution, has responded in an orderly and lawful manner to the challenges which have arisen”, Granger said in his address.
Interestingly, Granger made no mention of the national recount of votes currently underway. The recount is intended to settle a controversy which erupted after the Returning Officer of District Four was accused of rigging elections to enable Granger to be sworn in again.
Granger’s position as President had already been severely weakened by a successful motion of no confidence which was moved against his government on December 21st, 2018. Litigation through the various tiers of court saw Guyana’s final court, the CCJ in June, 2019 describing Granger’s administration as a caretaker one pending the holding of general elections. Those elections were not held until March 2nd, 2020. The election result has been pending now for 86 days.
Granger also cautioned Guyanese to exercise caution in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Guyanese, I urge you to observe the 54th Anniversary of Independence in a restrained manner. The emergency measures imposed in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have not permitted public celebrations”, he noted.
His address also touched again on the Decade of Development which he inaugurated several months ago
“I announced, in my New Year’s message, the launch of the Decade of Development: 2020-2029 which charted a roadmap for development to provide a ‘good life’ for everyone.
“Guyana has embarked on a path towards enhancing public education; expanding the economy; extending public infrastructure; ensuring human safety, public security and territorial integrity; reforming the constitution; improving governance; intensifying social protection, social cohesion and Indigenous peoples’ well-being; developing the energy sector and protecting the environment”, he stated.
He added that the Decade of Development “will be the most exciting and exhilarating era in our nation’s history”.
