Dear Editor,
It is instructive to note that live streaming of the counting of ballots was done in the critically important Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This was confirmed by the Philadelphia City Commissioner, Mr. Al Schmidt, a Republican, at approximately 5:40 am yesterday.
The tabulation process done in the presence of observers from the local republican and democrat parties, as well as representatives from the Biden and Trump campaigns, could be seen (or live streamed) on one’s telephone, computer, and other electronic devices worldwide.
All of America had a fair opportunity to observe the counting of ballots. No one objected. No one complained about identity of poll workers. This is transparency.
Some of us called for live streaming of the CARICOM-sanctioned recount process during the 2020 general and regional elections in Guy-ana. That is, live streaming of each and every ballot recounted, visible to everyone worldwide. No shortcut.
However, this did not exactly occur. All sorts of nonsensical excuses were made by the PNCR and AFC representatives.
Some will recall there were attempts to even seize people’s mobile telephones. The right to have possession of one’s mobile telephone which is a property right, was defended vigorously. Property rights should not be sacrificed in order to enjoy speech (voting) rights.
Live streaming of the tabulation of ballots (as well as recounts) in local, regional, and national elections should be mandatory in Guyana.
Guyanese should demand this and not compromise on this need to ensure their ballots are not destroyed or tampered with during elections.
Yours faithfully,
Rakesh Rampertab
