Dear Editor,
For the first time since 1985, in the aftermath of a general election, the streets of Georgetown resounded with shouts of joy and wild celebrations. There was not the cacophony of police and fire engine sirens or the popping of teargas canisters. There were no barricades protecting vulnerable buildings and the headquarters of political parties. The streets were not filled with angry protesters facing down lines of armour-clad riot police, and citizens were not in fear of life and limb. The images of joy and victory captured in evening news shows and splashed across the front pages of the newspapers are the normal reactions of supporters of a political party that won. No one should begrudge the spontaneous exhibitions of joy that comes with triumph. However, if you contrast the reactions to the results of the elections of 2015 and to those five previous elections between 1992 and 2011, we find two faces of the same coin. This begs the questions as to whether the supporters of the APNU+AFC can be overcome with consummate joy in victory. Why were they not gracious in defeat in 1992, 1997, 2001, 2006 and 2011.
In many countries there are the usual electioneering and speeches, and at the end of the campaign no matter how bitterly contested, when the numbers are in, life goes on. Placards and signs are removed and a day later you would not know that an election had been held. People go back to work and it is normal again. What makes Guyana so different? Why do we rant and rave, create anarchy and take to the streets to protest against the results when our side loses? Elections when run on a free and fair basis, comes down to one thing: one man one vote. Anyone with a basic knowledge of the demographics of Guyana and of the tendency of the populace to vote for one or the other party based on ethnicity can predict the outcome. When the Stabroek News started posting the 2015 results from the polling stations across the country I took a casual glance down the list of the votes casted for the PPP/C and APNU+AFC and without looking at the names of the villages or towns would pronounce with certainty the racial composition of that area. In a straight run-off between parties, only one ethnicity will win − every time. No ifs and buts.
So where does that leave us? Despite the APNU+AFC coalition, the difference in victory was only 5.000 votes .That is 1 per cent of the votes cast. This value is well within the margin of error in most polls and would have taken a brave soul to forecast a winner. Although the turnout of the electorate in 2015 was 72 %, the PPP/C lost because enough East Indians cast their votes for a majority Afro-Guyanese coalition. Is this a game changer? Have we finally turned the corner on race-based politics? A tongue in cheek cynic may concur that we will, when Afro-Guyanese vote in fair numbers for a majority East Indian -Afro coalition. Do we form a national front unity government and banish racial politics forever? History shows that this is not a viable option. It then comes down to policies not personalities. The difficulty of voters to decide whether to vote with their heads instead of their hearts in future elections will be dependent on how well the APNU+AFC governs, and if the new opposition provides favourable options.
Guyana faces huge problems that trump the ephemeral five-year election cycle. Our low-lying coastline, rimmed by porous sea defences will constantly be under threat from rising sea levels. Our economy is still based on sugar, rice, gold and bauxite that are vulnerable to falling commodity prices. We import too many consumables. Guyana is frequently cited as a major trans-shipment point for drugs. The capital city of Georgetown needs a major overhaul of its antiquated sewerage system. There is a crying need for a system of proper solid waste disposal, as garbage engulfs our cities, towns and villages nationwide.There needs to be significant investment in alternative renewable energy sources: hydro, solar and wind.
The people of the First World are turning away from processed foods and demanding organics; Guyana with its fertile soil can be a leader in organic foods. However our greatest assets are the vast forests and savannahs and diverse wild life. With forests and wildlife dwindling in other parts of the world, this country can become a Mecca for ecotourism. Our population has the advantage of English, the language of commerce and the internet, as a first language. A well educated population can be the hub for call centres for the burgeoning health insurance and tech- help markets.
Guyana has potential; I learnt that in First Standard geography class in the 1970s. We are now in the 21st century and nearly 50 years since independence we are still classified as a lesser developed country. What is holding us back? Are we still stymied by Cold War politics and innate fears and suspicions that should have been buried decades ago and are still passed on from generation to generation? Or is it the residual chaos that spills over from one election to another and to another that causes our best and brightest to flee our shores.
With a well educated population, proper infrastructure and a stable political climate Guyana can emerge from its less developed country status and be the beacon for the Caribbean. But who will want to invest in a country that is gripped by madness every five years? Who would want to be a tourist in a land where months after elections disgruntled protesters with marches and even rumours of a march can shutter businesses and bring commerce and life to a halt? There is the crying need to transform our beloved country from its tainted status and lowly impression.The source of the change in our behaviour and the acceptance of election results, whether our side lost or won, can be acquired from the supporters of the parties that did not win in 2015.
This behaviour is exemplified by a woman interviewed on the radio. She said: “Who win, win. All we want is peace”
Yours faithfully,
Bhisham N Ojha
