Dear Editor,
Reference is made to the SN editorial “Party democracy” (Oct 23). Fraudulent elections, intra-party or national, or any type of elections, must be condemned and never accepted. They ultimately lead to authoritarianism as the country knows from experience under Burnhamism and in how political parties function.
Candidates in internal elections must never feel helpless during party injustice or fraud or display lack of courage to challenge or expose wrongdoing within their parties. They must approach the courts as happened in mature democracies like the US, India, among others.
The courts have jurisdiction on how parties carry out their business especially if rights are violated. They must enforce intra-party democracy especially elections. It is the court in the USA that mandated political parties to hold internal democratic elections among members for all positions. These elections are overseen by constitutional agencies. When disputes arose, candidates approached the courts for resolution. The courts were never shy to intervene and gave justice. The same is needed in Guyana to secure intra-party democracy.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
