Please. Don’t get too upset – perhaps thinking that, on this Boxing Day Fenty has gone mad. (Editor’s Note: Mr Fenty’s column was written for Boxing Day but there was no edition of the Stabroek News yesterday.)
Not at all. But since this column is so widely read – for one reason or another – I seize the opportunity to present my view and suggestions with regard to the national elections which took place eleven days ago. (I’m aware that to various persons my suggestions will come off as facetious or impracticable, or improbable. They still constitute my views and suggestions, however.)
Perhaps by the time this column is being read by you, the nation would have at last been given the official and final results of the December 15 elections. In a kind of negative, pessimistic, defeatist manner, I’ve long given up on results that would be accepted by the PNC. Hence my rather radical suggestion hereunder.
And no. You can trust and rely on me not to regale you with the last fortnight’s contentions surrounding the results. On this Boxing Day, you should be well and painfully aware of the real and alleged problems, incompetence and possible “fraud.”
Why, I’m not even going to tell you who I deem to be the villain of the piece/peace. That’ll make you fume or be pleased. So, because I understand the latest verification efforts to be mired in controversy too, and because I suspect that “No Loser” will truly accept final figures amidst “missing” documents, suspicions, charges and organised “protest”. I suggest new fresh elections in a month or two from today.
Yes, I say ask foreign agencies for more assistance urgently and immediately. No campaigning necessary. Just additional training with all parties in attendance. But I plead too with Civic sources: allow and invite Mr Hoyte’s PNC, especially, to identify computer experts, polling booth personnel for any district necessary. Let the PNC’s own chosen choices be “partnered” by impartial local or international observer/ experts. Then let’s do this again!
It has been done in numerous countries before. I know the cost and implications involved: significant funding, time and timings, voter frustration and new indifference. But I don’t want a campaign – just an election.
And if every political body and his cousin are so confident, who should object to fresh new elections immediately. Especially if the PNC is allowed to participate in the planning – even more than they have in this immediate past. Surely, the parties, the nation and the world would have to accept these results?
Allegedly cheated this last time, even the strong WPA, TUF, GDP and NIP wouldn’t be too upset after my proposed fresh elections. Let me see who dares to discard, this my Boxing Day suggestion.
Restraining myself… 1) It’s Boxing Day so I’m determined to let the spirit flow. But please be assured Brother Eusi Kwayana, next week I must react to you and your “Alliances”.
2) A Congress Christmas: Ardent readers will know that for the past three years I’ve called for Christmas to be “confined”, for the (commercialism of the) season to be shortened. Alas, I never meant what happened this year. Though there were elections conducted in December before, the protests organised and led by the People’s National Congress from last week Thursday ensured us a shortened, truncated, abbreviated “Christmas”. Nearly none at all. That was in Georgetown. Things were normal elsewhere. Who “stole” the elections? Who stole Christmas (from themselves?)
3) Even fresh elections won’t be the answer to our ingrained polarisation, I know. One suggestion to be expanded in 98: A party such as the WPA should convert itself into a non-governmental organisation (NGO), then continue its contributions at the local, civil level.
4) How will certain parties pay back for their campaign funding? Whether to New York or local company sources? For whoever loses, there is much to lose in losing!
5) Great propaganda moments for me during these past ten days, despite threats hurled my way occasionally. What a country! Those who probably created rigging now say others rigged. “Cheated Not Defeated” now belongs to “others”. Wow!
6) When good propagandists say “the people” or “Guyanese” – do they always mean all or most of the nation?
7) Greetings Mr C.R.B Edwards. I suggest we sit during the second week of January – whoever “wins” O.K.?
8) Now, just who suggested Mr Doodnauth Singh to be Chairman of the Elections Commission?
9) So there was heavy “racial voting”? But many Indo-Guyanese and “Regent Street businessmen” under attack, voted PNC? Help me here somebody?
10) Happy Kwanza to my African-oriented Guyanese friends. Now again I say, landscape the area around Georgetown’s 1763 Monument – then approach the authorities to continue your effort. Up to it?
`Til next year!
