Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has assured that the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is committed to ensuring a peaceful and stable environment in the lead-up to Guyana’s upcoming elections later this year.
In his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo spoke about his concerns regarding the opposition’s tactics and their efforts to create instability.
As General Secretary of the PPP/C, Jagdeo met with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and its affiliates on Wednesday to discuss the state of preparations for the elections. The vice president praised the PSC for its commitment to transparency and its interest in ensuring free and fair elections.
“This was a productive meeting, and I commend the PSC for being proactive in their concerns about the upcoming elections,” Jagdeo said.
He said the PSC is right to be concerned about any potential instability, but assured them that the PPP/C will do whatever is necessary to prevent any unrest.
Jagdeo, however, wasted no time in addressing what he described as the opposition’s predictable strategy of “crying foul” and stirring controversy in the event of a loss.
According to the vice president, the opposition parties are already laying the groundwork for a post-election narrative that seeks to delegitimise the results, regardless of the outcome.
“The opposition is already preparing to create a hullabaloo when they lose. We’ve seen it before and we expect it again,” he said.
“They want to confuse the process and create an excuse for their defeat.”
He highlighted the opposition’s call for a “house-to-house” voter registration process, which he believes could disenfranchise many who are not currently residing in Guyana. Jagdeo firmly rejected this proposal, asserting that it is unconstitutional to remove names from the voters list unless someone has passed away or migrated.
“The opposition’s plan to remove people’s names based on migration is simply misleading,” Jagdeo said. “The constitution does not allow for this. Voters who have gone through the robust registration process should not be removed from the list.”
Jagdeo expressed concern that such tactics, if implemented, could lead to further confusion, potentially causing delays or even stopping the elections entirely through legal challenges.
Turning his attention to issues surrounding voter biometrics and the voters list, the vice president called on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to adhere strictly to the law and the constitution.
“We have made it clear that GECOM must act lawfully and transparently,” he stressed.
Jagdeo also dismissed fears that divisive rhetoric from the opposition could cause polarisation within the electorate. He insisted that the PPP/C’s focus is on unity and stability, rather than sowing division.
“We do not have any interest in dividing the people. We want to bring everyone together. Our campaign will focus on our track record and our commitment to the country,” Jagdeo declared.
“The people will decide their government freely, fairly, and transparently.”
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