All projected parliamentary parties reject talks with Granger coalition

All of the other parties projected to win seats in the National Assembly besides APNU+AFC, have rejected calls for dialogue from the David Granger-led coalition. APNU+AFC’s position had been widely opposed by over 20 countries at a meeting last week of the Organisation of American States (OAS) Permanent Council, which called on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to declare the results of the national vote recount. Following the meeting, the coalition issued a statement claiming that it “in the national interest, and with a view to maintaining stability and peace, remains open to dialogue with other political parties and stakeholders on the way forward for our country.” It said that the “APNU+AFC coalition is prepared to act responsibly to bring a resolution to the ongoing political situation.” However, the rest of the statement peddled misinformation about alleged electoral fraud being uncovered by the national vote recount, with the aim of discrediting it. This is in line with the party’s narrative which aims to have the fraudulent Region Four declaration produced by Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, along with the other district declarations, stand in place of the results of the national vote recount as the basis on which a final declaration is made. This was not lost on any of the parties which responded. The General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, released a strongly worded statement, explaining that the party will fiercely resist the coalition’s attempt to stage a coup if Granger refuses to accept a declaration of results.

“No one should be surprised as the PNC which Granger leads and which is essentially the APNU+AFC, has a history of not accepting the results of every election that they have lost since 1992.” “If Granger and his band of riggers believe that they can continue to hang on to office after the declaration has been made,” Jagdeo said, “then they are living in a fool’s world.” He said that the coalition statement is in clear defiance of the Chief Justice, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), GECOM and the international community, from which sanctions will escalate.

He urged Guyanese not to worry, and to work and ensure Guyana has a declaration that is reflective of the will of the people. The PPP/C won the elections with a 15,416 vote lead ahead of the APNU+AFC. A joinder of three parties was fortunate to win a single seat, judging from projections. It comprises the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), A New and United Guyana (ANUG), and The New Movement (TNM). All three parties made statements separately, refusing the call for dialogue and called on Granger to concede.

the recount

( Kaieteur News )