– PPP lost decisive seat by only six votes, which would have assured it a working majority in the National Assembly
PRESIDENT-ELECT Donald Ramotar is expected to be sworn in as Head of State within the next 36 hours, according to People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) campaign spokesman Robert Persaud.
Speaking at a press briefing last night at Freedom House, Persaud said, “The people have spoken. The PPP/C has secured the presidency of Guyana…our nation is once again on the road to progress.”
According to him, the results of the 2011 polls is reflective of the incumbent party’s campaign against the three A’s; A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the Alliance for Change and apathy.
“Many people thought victory was assured, and they did not turnout…our supporters who did not go out to vote simply because you felt that our party’s victory was a foregone conclusion now recognize how close this indifference came to nearly destroying all the gains made since 1992,” he said.
Persaud observed that the results, while victorious, are indeed a disappointment, as well as a timely reminder to all and sundry of what indifference almost cost the country.
“It might almost have been the last free and fair election you would have experienced, had the worst outcome been realized…in fact we lost one seat by six votes, which would have assured us a working majority in the National Assembly,” he said.
He opined that the PPP/C may have fallen victim of its successes, which have brought Guyanese better livelihoods, in that the people, being comfortable, exhibited a level of complacency.

MINORITY GOVERNMENT
Responding to queries as to how the PPP/C will function as a minority government, Persaud maintained that first the President-Elect should be sworn in and the Cabinet chosen, before these challenges can be addressed.
He added that at the end of the day, the approaches taken to addressing the new dimension to this democracy will be centred on the interests of the Guyanese people.
Questioned about an inclusive government and the possibility of cross-party collaborations, as well as the possibility of ministerial portfolios sharing, Persaud stressed that these matter are in the sole purview of the President-Elect.
Persaud added that the party will be meeting soon to address the way forward.   

MISLEADING 
On that note, Persaud applauded the mature decision by the AFC to accept the results of the 2011 polls, adding that it is APNU’s position that is unfortunate.
“Sadly, elements of the opposition have misled their supporters into believing that they were cheated,” he said.
APNU is calling for a protest of the elections and its leader called on supporters to gather at Square of the Revolution today for a demonstration of its disapproval.
Reports are that APNU has called for a recount, but Persaud, while maintaining that it is the right for any party to request a recount, pointed out that the legal timeframe for such a request has passed.
Persaud noted the conflicting positions of the APNU, which objected to the PPP/C calls for a recount of 48 boxes in Region Four (Demerara/ Mahaica), a request which was subsequently withdrawn.
He stressed that this move was made despite the party’s genuine objections, in the light of the fact that Guyana is more important.

TRUE FACE
Last evening a massive crowd gathered outside Parliament Building in protest of the 2011 polls – revealing the true face of the opposition forces.
Persaud said, “Last evening thousands came onto the streets, leading to threats against many of our supporters and other Guyanese as the true face of the opposition once again revealed itself; when they do not win, they refuse to accept the true will of the people.” 
He maintained that now is the time for Guyana to recommit to the future, not slip back into the past, as the interests of Guyana’s progress take priority.
“The presidency secured by the PPP/C in the general election of 2011 is an opportunity we must not let slip, as we continue to modernise our country and unite the people of Guyana,” he said.   
He urged APNU leaders to clear the air of misconception and allow the focus to be on the bigger picture, the continued development of Guyana, reiterating the PPP/C’s determination to work tirelessly with each Guyanese to achieve the nation’s collective dream of securing a better future.
Persaud also called for peace and stability to prevail.
“Let the lessons be truly learnt, pass the message on, recruit each supporter, every patriot, let them know how critical it is to protect the democracy we all fought so long and hard for…this is a wake-up call to the nation. Hear it and respond now,” he urged.