The Organization of American States (OAS) has welcomed the decision yesterday of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to declare the results of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections based on the data compiled by the national recount.
“As previously noted, the decision to conduct a national recount of all ballots cast on March 2 was supported by stakeholders in the electoral process as a means of determining a final credible result that was acceptable to all parties. The majority of these stakeholders, as well as local and international observers present for the recount, have confirmed that the process was impartial, transparent and reliable and delivered a result that reflects the will of Guyanese voters”, the OAS said.
The OAS had monitors present at the 33-day recount of ballots at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and was also one of the key observer missions here for the March 2nd general elections.
“The OAS commends the people of Guyana for their patience during this extended electoral exercise and thanks the electoral workers for their diligence – both on Election Day and during the recount – in ensuring that the voices of all Guyanese voters were heard and respected. The constant vigilance of political parties and the service of local and international observers were also key to the final outcome and must be acknowledged and applauded.
“The OAS looks forward to the formal declaration of the results and the eventual swearing-in of the newly elected government. In this regard the Organization remains available to provide such support that is required, as the new administration addresses the issues and challenges emanating from the 2020 electoral process”, the statement added.
The OAS observer mission to the elections was headed by former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding. On March 13 the mission announced it was withdrawing from the country as the tabulation process for Region Four was not transparent despite the many complaints about it.
In a statement then, the OAS mission had warned that any government installed on the basis of these results would be open to question. The recount was later agreed upon.
