While welcoming the “democratic” conclusion of Guyana’s elections, the European Union (EU) yesterday underscored the need for unity and cooperation and also pledged its support for electoral reforms.
A statement issued by the Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano said the EU welcomed the peaceful and democratic conclusion of the electoral process in Guyana and congratulated President Irfaan Ali on his swearing-in.
“This is an important step towards the consolidation of democracy in the country,” it observed.
“It is essential now that all parties and stakeholders work together diligently to overcome past differences and join efforts in uniting all Guyanese,” it further added, while taking note of Ali’s inauguration speech, where a commitment to constitutional and electoral reforms was made, and it said it looks forward to its implementation.
The statement also noted the recommendations presented in the final report of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) and said that the EU stands ready to support this reform process in cooperation with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and other electoral stakeholders.
“The EU has been a staunch supporter of democracy and rule of law throughout the entire process. We look forward to working together to further develop our strong partnership based on our human, cultural and historical links,” it added.In its final report on the elections, the EU EOM said that with confidence in GECOM already undermined by limited inclusiveness and transparency, post-election developments “exposed a dysfunctional commission unable to control its own secretariat.” It also highlighted major issues regarding the composition of GECOM. As a result, it recommended a national consultation process to overhaul the composition and functioning of GECOM, notably to ensure a more inclusive representation of the various components of the Guyanese society and political spectrum.
The EU Delegation was among the western missions that had been pressing for the lawful conclusion of the elections process during the five-month long delay in the finalisation of results.
