Electoral credibility, social stability, and economic development

THE reports of electoral fraud that currently occupy the attention of many Guyanese cannot be ignored or wished away. The credibility of any country’s elections is simply too important to dismiss. This is so because credible elections are not an end in itself; instead, it is the primary pillar of democracy upon which a stable democratic society stands. I is also a prerequisite for national development and the sense of personal security which derives from the knowledge that one lives in a country in which the government is recognised by everyone to possess legitimacy.

Credible elections may be described as elections that are recognised to reflect free expression of the will of the people. According to USAID, “Elections should be transparent, inclusive, and accountable.” In the current context, the elections of March 2, arguably, do not meet or even approach the credibility standard; too many discrepancies, anomalies, instances of malpractice, and questionable dealings have been uncovered during the recount/audit process. Further, it is beyond doubt that fraud was committed, since, to believe that so many discrepancies could be the result of unintentional mistakes is ludicrous. As such, it is left to the relevant authorities to address what is clearly electoral fraud.

Those facts having been stated, let us examine the main and major effects of non-credible elections since space will not permit a thorough analysis. First, a government that benefits from electoral fraud would automatically be an illegitimate government. In political science, legitimacy is the right and acceptance of an authority. A government that lacks legitimacy cannot effectively serve the people, simply because persons and organisations within its sphere of influence (local) would not recognise its authority, and, those outside such a sphere (the international community) would view that country as a pariah. Former SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan wrote, “Legitimacy is the crucial currency of government in our democratic age … victory without legitimacy is no victory at all.” Therefore, an illegitimate government would necessarily need to enforce its will by the use of coercion because there would be a lack of consent by the citizenry.

Second, an illegitimate government reigns over an unstable society. Social instability is the condition of social disorder generally manifested in the form of inter-group conflict or violence. This condition results in lack of progress because the confidence to invest in the economy, and create jobs, would be absent; taxes would be collected haphazardly; cronyism and corruption would take over and there would be no consistency in any sphere of society. Clearly, under such circumstances, insecurity among citizens would prevail and fear would prevent persons from being productive. Guyanese know of such a situation.
Third, according to the writings of political scientists, Guyana’s electoral system is relatively robust. The correct laws, systems, and practices are in place, at least, theoretically. However, evidently, that is not sufficient to ensure credibility. This fact has been proven by the recount. This is so because if a group of fraudsters are determined to defeat the safeguards, such criminal minds will find a way to commit electoral fraud. Such is the nature of evil; it does not stop being evil.

Guyanese, though, are a strong people. Good will find a way to defeat evil, and credibility can be snatched from the hungry jaws of fraud. Guyana has a strong Constitution, an able and honest President, and a competent judiciary. Citizens may rest assured that in spite of attempts to destroy our democracy, our good country will prevail.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.