Foreign Minister meets EU, US Ambassadors
-electoral aid discussed
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings yesterday met separately with United States (US) Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch and the Ambassador of the European Union (EU), Fernando Ponz Cantó and electoral assistance and ongoing co-operation were on the agenda.
A release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that highlighting the importance of the upcoming general elections scheduled for March 2, 2020, Dr. Cummings “gave the reassurance that the Guyana Government would remain impartial while allowing the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to finalize preparations”.
The release said that Lynch gave her reassurance that all ongoing projects in Guyana funded by the United States would continue to be implemented as scheduled.
Cantó was accompanied by members of an EU exploratory electoral mission.
On September 19, the US, United Kingdom and the EU issued the following statement calling for a date for general elections and warning that the government was in breach of the constitution.
“The United States, United Kingdom and the European Union thank the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for devising a proposed elections timeframe for conducting General and Regional Elections.
“However, we deeply regret that, by surpassing September 18, the Government is currently in breach of the Constitution following its failure to adhere to the decisions of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on 18 June and its subsequent orders.
“This situation comes at great cost to the people of Guyana. The prevailing political uncertainty undermines Guyanese institutions, compromises economic opportunities and delays development across all areas including infrastructure, education, health, and social services. It also hinders our ability to support Guyana’s development needs.
“We therefore call upon the President to set an elections date immediately in full compliance with Guyana’s constitution.”
On September 27 the three issued another statement following the naming of an election date in which they offered electoral aid and monitoring of the polls.
The statement said in part “The United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union note the President’s announcement of a firm election date of 02 March, 2020. It is now essential to ensure free and fair elections which we are pleased to support with elections assistance and monitoring along with other colleagues in the international community”.