Junior Public Works Minister, Deodat Indar has found himself at the centre of controversy after a video of him embroiled in a confrontation at the Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara polling station on Monday surfaced on social media.
The incident has raised concerns about the behaviour of the Minister and his approach to GECOM staff at the polling station. The contents of the disagreement at this time are unknown but he has been heavily criticized by members of the public for his boorish and uncivil behaviour.
The video footage captured an argument between the minister and Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) polling day staff when he made a visit to the polling station. It is unclear whether the incident occurred during the day or in the night when ballots were being counted.
From the video, the minister, who was party agent attempted to enter the polling station but was prevented from doing so by GECOM staff citing procedural reasons. It also appeared as if a party agent of APNU objected to Indar’s presence in the polling station.
The situation quickly escalated as tempers flared, resulting in a heated exchange between the minister and the persons in the polling station. An individual was heard in the polling station telling Indar that he was not supposed to be there but as he stood at the door of the polling station he questioned why he was not allowed.
At the door, a few GECOM staff attempted to speak with Indar, who was upset and was heard telling those present in the polling station they should send a police. However, persons pointed out that a neighbourhood community police officer was witnessing the confrontation.
A GECOM staff was also seen speaking with Indar pleading with him to wait outside of the polling station while she enquired what was the procedure. But as she did this, Indar shouted in protest and responded to comments from another person.
PPP’s General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo when asked about the incident during a press conference at Freedom House yesterday said that he was unaware of the incident.
He, however, explained that GECOM would have informed parties contesting the elections that three persons could have observed the counting and tabulation of ballots, however, some of his party agents had difficulties in doing so. It appears, he said as if the presiding officers were unaware of the protocols. Jagdeo said Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who was also a party agent faced a similar situation at Melanie, East Coast Demerara and observers were unable to fully witness the counting due to space restrictions.
He nonetheless noted that he plans to enquire and respond to the contents of the video at a later date.
