Granger’s decision is an assault on democracy
Dear Editor, The Guyana Peace Council (GPC) has noted with grave concern the decision taken by President David Granger to unilaterally appoint a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom).
The Guyana Peace Council views this move by President Granger as not only an assault on our democracy but one that has the potential to destroy the peace and tranquillity of the country.
The Guyana Peace Council is totally unconvinced that there were no individuals from the three lists submitted by Opposition Leader, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo who met the criteria of ‘fit and proper’ as stipulated in the Constitution of Guyana. This is a shameless insult to the intelligence of the Guyanese people on the part of President Granger. The Guyana Peace Council calls on all Guyanese to condemn this wanton display of political bullyism by President Granger in his unilateral appointment of a Gecom Chair.
The Guyana Peace Council also calls on the international community to take note of what is clearly a departure from the Carter-Price Formula in the selection process for the post of Chairman of Gecom which was the agreed and acceptable mechanism used in all elections since the restoration of democracy in October 1992.
President Granger by his action has now created a dangerous precedent which could have serious implications for the future of democracy in Guyana and in particular for free, fair and democratic elections.