Dear Editor,
The latest statement from the government signals that they are prepared to undermine the work of a legally constituted independent body (GECOM) in charge of the electoral process so that the checklist necessary for the execution of the upcoming general elections may not be fully met. This would be an opportunity that could result in a prolonged presidency for Mr Bharrat Jagdeo. GECOM is almost totally dependent on the government for financial resources to execute its mandate, and as the saying goes, he who pays the piper calls the tune.
As citizens we must demand better not only from government but also from GECOM. Dr Steve Surujbally must not only signal his disapproval of this to the government but must also notify the OAS, the UN, Caricom, the Commonwealth Secretariat and other relevant organizations if he is serious about safeguarding the integrity of GECOM and its ability to work in the best interest of the electorate. I also urge the combined opposition, the People’s Partner-ship, the multi-racial Patriotic Movement and other civil society networks and organizations to pen letters to the above-mentioned entities. It’s time for us in Guyana to raise our standards of conduct, execute our responsibilities in a more strategic manner and act as though we have a stake in the future of this country. This beautiful land does not belong to the government; they are merely our representatives, and a poor lot of these they are.
Finally this latest attack on the independence of GECOM and the right of citizens to be reliably informed must be put into political context. Dr Luncheon stated that, “with the exception of those [advertisements] associated with discharging GECOM’s constitutional and legal responsibilities (Orders, Notices, Acts and Amendments)” advertisements must be submitted to the Government Information Agency for placement on www.eprocure.gov.gy.
Clearly this is an attempt to show not only GECOM but the public who is in control. Additionally I am aware that the government is fast realizing that it faces some tough challenges in preparation for the upcoming general elections. For one its record dealing with crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, youth development and empowerment, child protection, sustainable employment generation, wages and salaries, old age pensions – and the list goes on – is pathetic. Members of the government also know that the public are tired of empty promises; that we are choosing to voice and express our concerns through institutional mechanisms and social movements (for example the People’s Partnership, the multi-racial Patriotic Front, trade unions, etc) as opposed to violent protests. Finally the government is also aware that many persons that voted for them in the last two elections have signalled their intention to vote for another representative of the people.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address
provided)
