The opposition will have an input on electoral reform both in and out of Parliament, according to the ruling PPP.
In a statement yesterday it was reacting to criticisms from the PNCR and other groups over an elections reform programme to be undertaken by the International Republic Institute (IRI) with support from the US Government.
“Needless to say, that it is downright naive for anyone to think that such a process can be undertaken without the input of the major opposition political party in Guyana. The law reforms must be done through the parliament and the opposition will have an input both in and out of parliament”, Freedom House said in the statement.
It also rejected a claim by the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) that the IRI will spearhead the electoral process.
“This is simply not the truth as the Government of Guyana will be leading the process. Other insignificant surrogate organisations have similarly risen from dormancy. Their puerile outpourings are unworthy of a response”, the PPP said.
The PPP said it was not surprised by the APNU+AFC’s objections to the elections reform programme. The PNCR is the main component of APNU.
“The PNC historically has always been opposed to any reform that would enhance Guyana’s democratic structure, strengthen the legal progress and bring transparency to the electoral machinery. The PNC would like a weak system which they can pervert and corrupt as the world saw them attempt to do for five (5) long months after the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections. After all, they are a party that rigged the elections and stole Governments for twenty-eight (28) long years. Nothing has changed. Only recently, the PNC leader, Mr. David Granger, is on public record as saying that electoral matters should not be heard and determined by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Every sensible Guyanese must know that were it not for the CCJ, the PNC would have successfully stolen Government. Fortunately, Guyanese, as well as, the international community see the PNC for who they are and do not take them seriously”, the PPP said.
It added that the attack upon the IRI’s role in Guyana’s electoral reform process has been misrepresented to stir political partisan and ethnic sentiments.
“The International Republican Institute is not new to Guyana and is part of a constellation of organisations that have worked to improve Guyana’s democratic process over the years. Indeed, the very APNU+AFC Coalition who is condemning the IRI now was comfortable in partnering with the very IRI during the 2011 and 2015 electoral campaigns across the country. In 2014, the IRI supported the formation of the Guyana National Youth Council. A month before the elections, the group rolled out its ‘Vote Like a Boss Campaign’ – a slogan that was coincidentally being used by the APNU+AFC Coalition in its campaigning. Therefore, the sudden disdain and criticism of the IRI is simply duplicitous and disingenuous”, the governing party said.
It added that the PPP/C Administration had made it very clear as soon as it assumed office in August last year that there will be electoral reforms and the Government would drive that process.
“It was also made very clear that the Government will accept the assistance and work with various international organisations and Governments, as well as, local organisations and political parties that stood with Guyana in defence of our democracy, during the dark five (5) months when it was under severe threat”, Freedom House added.
