Roman Catholic Bishop Francis Alleyne noting that Gecom’s preliminary results of the 2015 elections show a photo-finish with APNU+AFC emerging victorious, yesterday called for the declaration of results to be done speedily.
“The exemplary conduct of the people in turning out, exercising their civil responsibility and waiting patiently as well as the various endorsements on the electoral process are a credit to us all and deserve the greatest respect,” the Bishop said in a press statement. “I therefore urge that the declaration of the elections results be done quickly so that the voice and good will of the People is not taken for granted.”
Bishop Alleyne also noted that given the closeness of the results, as well as the divisiveness of the campaign, it is clear that much work lies ahead to build lasting reconciliation and trust. “The well known adage says “forgive and forget.” In reality we don’t forget but we can remember without the bitterness and pain: we can be healed and reconciled and trust again and must claim this,” he said.
To this end, the Bishop urges all stakeholders to exercise moderation, for the losing party to concede immediately upon the declaration and the winner to magnanimously accept, so that the people can focus with resolve on nation building.
According to the Bishop faith traditions impart that “the person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society – in economics and politics, in law and policy – directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community”. “I pray that as a people we encourage and support one another in broad-based inclusion in the governance and life of the nation,” he said.
