On the occasion of International Day of Democracy today, President Irfaan Ali has urged that no effort be spared to fortify the country’s democracy.
“On behalf of the Government and people of this great country of ours, I affirm Guyana’s steadfast commitment to democracy. We pledge on this International Day of Democracy 2021 to strengthen the ramparts which protect our fragile democracy: the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, freedom of expression and constitutional rule”, the President said according to a release from his office.
He recalled the country’s experience at the March 2nd, 2020 general elections.
“The people of Guyana once experienced the agonies and anguish of rigged elections and its consequential effects: authoritarian rule, the abuse of human rights and the upending of economic development. Many were forced to scamper from our beloved Motherland in order to escape persecution.
“A threat to free and fair elections represents an assault on democracy. Guyanese have a duty to zealously guard the country’s democracy. For almost 2½ decades in the past, our people were deprived of the right to elect a government of their choice, and one year ago, there was an attempt to subvert the will of the electorate. That plot was repelled because of the heroism of our people, who stood defiant against the plot to rig our elections. Democracy prevailed, and our nation was rescued from the tentacles of dictatorship”, he said.
He applauded all those, both at home and abroad, who stood by Guyana during those very difficult days.
“That experience has strengthened our resolve to ensure that our democracy is never again imperilled”, he added.
