THE REPUBLIC of Guyana has a new Executive President with the oath-taking ceremony yesterday of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic candidate, Donald Ramotar.  It was done in accordance with the nation’s constitution and the official results of the November 28 elections as declared by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The rule of law has prevailed against the agitators.
            Those from the political party that had made a virtue of institutionalized, rigged elections for almost a quarter century, but are now excitedly fanning flames of hate and disorder under the umbrella of a new coalition of interest, should pause and listen to the independent and mature voices pleading for peace and recognition of the expressed will of the electorate.
            In contrast, for example, to APNU’s preference to ignore the harsh reality of the results of last Monday’s elections, as painstakingly verified by the independent, bipartisan GECOM, there is the encouraging, sober stance of the leadership of the AFC in urging acceptance of the results and for the process of democratic governance to be reflected in the new parliament.
            On the other hand, consistent with its failure to distance itself from the original threat of post-election “racial insurrection” that came in April from a known ally of the dominant PNCR in APNU, namely the  African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), that race-based group, which has no moral basis and legitimacy for the demands it often makes, has now renewed its call for “power-sharing” while exhibiting NO serious interest in peaceful and constructive dialogue.
            Representative institutions and organisations in this country, as well as the diplomatic representatives of foreign governments, should  ponder on the implications for good and democratic governance when a major party such as APNU seems more inclined to stir passions against acceptance of the results of Monday’s election than in distancing itself from criminal threats and illegitimate demands from an ally like ACDA.
            The incumbent PPP/C had expressed its own concerns and disappointment with some aspects of the vote-processing but has unequivocally declared acceptance of the final results.
            Both the widely respected Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the representatives of the foreign diplomatic missions in Georgetown have declared their own respective acceptance of  a free and fair poll and have appealed to all parties to abide by the officially declared results..
            While the diplomats settled for deeming the results “a win-win situation for Guyana”, the PSC chose to  make clear earlier,  in outlining its opposition, that it was not supportive of  any “power-sharing” arrangement at this time as being urged by some .
            For his part, in reacting to media questions, even before declaration of the official results and swearing in of the new President, the Prime Ministerial candidate of the AFC, Donald Trotman, had stated that “at this time there are no plans to join any of the other parties (APNU and PPP/C). He went on to stress that “this is not likely to happen, as the AFC will be present in full force to support the issues of the people in the National Assembly…”
      Speaking at that same media conference, the AFC’s presidential candidate, Khemraj  Ramjattan, said that since “no one (party) will have a majority of seats, that means the AFC will now have the deciding vote…” He stressed that the AFC “will accept GECOM results”.
      At his  oath-taking ceremony yesterday, President Ramotar, in answering a media question about the approach of the PPP/C to governing  the country in the absence of a clear majority in parliament, said: “I am depending on the patriotism of everyone else, and that we can work together and get things done in the interest of all…”
      In extending our own congratulations to the new President of Guyana,we are also hoping for mature, patriotic responses from the three parties represented in the new Parliament to act in the best national interest of the citizens of  Guyana. Political maturity is highly desirable, not wild, emotional threats.