Dear Editor,
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) recognizing that the initial 25-day deadline is reaching an end, calls on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to identify the shortest possible extension in which to complete the exercise. Undoubtedly, the patience of the Guyanese people has now worn thin as it will soon be three months since elections were held but a final declaration still remains outstanding.
The Federation has seen, calls from some quarters, to have what appears to be an inordinate delay in declaring the results. An indeterminable timeline cannot be supported by the FITUG. Certainly, with the results being tabulated regionally, the declaration of the national results, therefore, should be quick and smooth and without any hitch. This, for us, seems to be the natural progression of the process but we have seen attempts to thwart it with the invocation of concerns cited in the observation reports. On this score, it has been drawn to our attention that consideration of the so-far unsubstantiated and hearsay objections cannot be properly considered by the Elections Commission. Indeed, this seems rational as GECOM cannot judge its own actions. Such judgments ought to be left to the judiciary which is an impartial party. For GECOM to be its own judge would be a glaring conflict of interest.
The hastening and completion of the process in the shortest possible time is most important at this time. With the public health, economic and social crises that face the nation presently the installation of a legitimate Government cannot be subjected to any further procrastination but a matter that is of national importance and must be addressed speedily. We look, at this time, to GECOM and its Commissioners and Chairperson to advise the nation of an end to the seeming never-ending electoral process. We reiterate that we have a nation to consolidate and a people to protect and in this process a legitimate Government put into office on credible and transparent elections results is critical.
Yours faithfully,
Dawchan Nagasar
for FITUG
