Presidential candidates to issue statement on results

Amid tensions in the city this evening and the gathering of persons in various parts of Georgetown, the four presidential candidates are preparing to issue a joint statement.

Sources told Stabroek News that President-elect Donald Ramotar and presidential candidates David Granger, Khemraj Ramjattan and Peter Persaud met at Parliament this evening and a statement on the declaration of the official results is to be made.

Following the declaration of Ramotar as the president-elect by the Chief Election Officer, Gocool Boodoo at 4.20 pm today, restless crowds disenchanted with the results gathered outside of parliament and at the Square of the Revolution and tensions grew.

At around 6.20 pm Granger and his prime ministerial candidate Rupert Roopnaraine left parliament and led those gathered there on foot in the direction of the Square of the Revolution where they were due to address them.

The APNU’s acceptance of the final result is seen as vital to defusing tensions in the city which have been growing since yesterday.