Dear Editor,
Today, October 5th marks thirty years since the restoration of democracy to Guyana after twenty-eight years of PNC dictatorial rule.
During that period, Guyana was reduced to one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. The return of democracy was therefore a defining moment in the political, economic and social life of Guyana and by extension the Guyanese people.
Our democracy still remains fragile as was demonstrated by attempts by some ‘rogue’ elements of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to rig the March 2, 2020 General and Regional elections in favour of APNU+AFC . It took the combined efforts of the local and international community including the Caribbean Court of Justice before such attempts were thwarted.
Democracy is an important ingredient for development as the experiences of Guyana and several other countries have shown. It is therefore imperative that all possible measures be taken to further strengthen our democracy. In this regard, the decision by the PPP/C to advance the work of the Constitutional Reform Committee with a view to deepening our democracy along more representative lines is most welcome.
Our democracy may not be perfect especially in the context of our political pluralism and ethnic diversity but it is still the preferred model of governance. Indeed, there can be no substitute for a majoritarian system of governance where the will of the majority is the basis of rule.
Guyana is evolving to higher forms of participatory and inclusive democracy, a critical element in our quest for a prosperous and cohesive society.
Yours faithfully,
Hydar Ally
