US Congress members urge President to ensure `internationally recognized’ declaration of results
Five members of the US Congress have written to President David Granger urging that he ensure an internationally recognised declaration of the results of the disputed March 2nd general elections consistent with the laws of Guyana.
The letter of yesterday’s date comes as the National Recount of votes draws to a close with the opposition PPP/C with a significant lead and the incumbent APNU+AFC facing defeat. Questions have been raised about whether Granger and his APNU+AFC will accept the result.
The letter signed by Alcee L Hastings, Paul Cook, Darren Soto, Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Donna E Shalala said “As the recount of Guyana’s disputed March Presidential election continues, we write to comment your commitment to honor the results and your attempts to address the concerns of the Guyanese people.
“We remain hopeful that the recount will be conducted in a fair and transparent manner, instilling confidence in the results and Guyana’s democratic institutions - with the support of credible international observers that can verify the integrity of the process and the final result”.
The letter also addressed the coronavirus pandemic.
“The coronavirus pandemic continues to pose challenges for all countries and we understand that you have taken many unprecedented steps to slow the spread of the virus, including closing your airport. Even so, all countries implementing measures to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus have also acknowledged that some work is so essential that it must continue. The legitimacy of elections are essential to the health of democracies everywhere and credible international observers will ensure that the people of Guyana and their friends around the world can trust and be proud of the final result in the ongoing recount”, the letter said.
The mention of the pandemic appeared to be a counter to the President’s decision to deny permission for Carter Center observers to return to observe the recount on the grounds of the need to implement coronavirus safeguards.
“Your leadership role during the recount process is critical to Guyana’s continued respect for the rule of law. Your place in Guyana’s history will be secured by ensuring an internationally recognized Declaration of Results consistent with the laws of Guyana”, the letter added.