The FITUG, like many Guyanese, continues to follow closely the ongoing national recount. With declarations completed already with respect to two (2) regions, we were pleased to recognize that they have largely mirrored the previous declarations. We saw too harping coming from the Coalition which has made unsubstantiated accusations admittedly on the basis hearsay. This, we contend, can hardly be the basis to lodge an objection. It appears, nevertheless, that objections are being lodged for objection sake and we hold, like many others, they are misplaced in the first place.
The fact that the recounts completed thus far closely mimics the original declaration gives us confidence that the electoral system and its attendant safeguards remains intact. Moreover, it demonstrates that the system, as currently designed and executed, provides a credible and transparent process to reflect the will of the voting population. Indeed, this is a breath of fresh air given the obnoxious stench that the come from Region #4 tabulation which has brought us to the point of a recount.
While the recount has reinforced the elections day process to be adequate given the current situation, it undoubtedly brings into focus what transpired during the Region #4 tabulation. The daily revelation of the heavily altered results of Region #4 informs us that this was the point when the situation went awry. Expectedly the Elections Commission, at an appropriate time, will conduct a full probe of the entire episode and to address legally the actions of the wrongdoers.
The brazen actions displayed are, for us, a heinous act and constitute nothing less than a bare-faced attempt to deny the will of the Guyanese people. There can be no justifiable reason for such actions and those who played a role can no longer be seen as decent or honest and certainly lack any strain of integrity. As the recount continues, we are sure that the conscience of the decent-minded Guyanese will continue to be shocked as the depravities that were pursued reveal themselves. While we are hopeful that the process can be further accelerated and this disturbing chapter of our country’s history can come to an end. It reminds us of the fragileness is our democracy and the utmost need for us all to continue to protect and consolidate it.
