THE results of the General Elections of 2011 can be viewed either as producing the continuation of the past with solid ethnic voting blocs and the continuation of the PPP government into its fifth term or more positively, as producing winners all round and providing a basis for re-invigorating political life in Guyana. The PPP retained the Presidency and the largest vote (48.6%), the APNU improved on the PNC/R’s share of votes in the 2006 election (from 34% to 40%) and seats (22 to 26) through a creative coalition. The Alliance for Change (AFC), although apparently a casualty of ethnic voting, raised its number of seats from five to seven. In this respect, the parties can take satisfaction from the results and Facing the Future (FtF) extends congratulations to them.
For the first time since 1964 the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has not, according to credible observers, won a majority of the votes cast. The results are, therefore, of much historical significance.
Margins of victory are sufficiently small as to impose a degree of bi-partisanship and negotiated politics, replacing the rubber-stamp winner-take-all approach which has characterised Guyanese politics for too long. A mentality of compromise and flexibility is more necessary for successful minority politics and better suits the diversity of the society. The election results open the possibility of re-vitalising political life; and of renovating political institutions and processes which have impeded progress in Guyana and frustrated too many of its citizens into seeking to live elsewhere.
The PPP government is now entering its 20th year in office, with a reduced majority and a new President providing an opportunity to take the country in the direction of a more transparent, inclusive and just society. Converting this scenario into measurable political progress in terms of renovating our political and electoral systems and culture must be high on the civic and political agendas. It provides opportunities and challenges for all parties to demonstrate the seriousness of putting the society first. Bringing people to the centre of electoral and political processes, thereby enhancing the role of citizens rather than political parties, must be the focus of reform, with accountability  – political, electoral and financial – as the motor force for such transformation.
While emerging from the cauldron of elections without upheaval thus far is encouraging, it would be irresponsible to continue to minimise the defects of our electoral system. In the interest of electors, all outstanding claims related to the count should be investigated with vigour and decisiveness, regardless of whether parties have accepted the results.
Several decades ago the catch-phrase “nunca mas” (‘never again’) was popular in Latin America, in reference to never repeating the experience of torture at the hands of military governments. Guyanese citizens and their organisations need to cultivate a ‘never again’ mentality towards our current electoral system.