IN the run-up to the May 11th General and Regional Elections, the Electoral Observation Mission of the Organisation of American States (OAS/EOM) in Guyana has observed and heard from different stakeholders that the organisation of the electoral process is being carried out as planned by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).The OAS/EOM, in a recent statement, acknowledged that following the closing of the polls results must be tabulated and compiled across a large territory and, as such, called on all political parties and citizens to act responsibly and urged citizens to wait patiently the outcome.
The OAS maintains that GECOM, as the only official source of election results, must be allowed the time to ensure a complete and accurate tabulation process.
The mission reiterated too the need for candidates and supporters to adhere to the Code of Conduct signed by all political parties to ensure order and tranquility on election day and the days thereafter in compliance with national electoral laws and regulations.
The OAS began its final deployment in Georgetown last week. The delegation, headed by the former Foreign Minister of Belize Lisa Shoman, who was designated by Secretary General José Miguel Insulza, comprises 23 observers from 13 countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States).
The first members of the Mission arrived in Guyana on May 2, following a preliminary visit in mid-April to learn about preparations for the elections. The Mission will focus its observation on electoral organization, electoral-political financing and the equal participation of men and women in the electoral process. It will also gather information about the status of the recommendations made in the last OAS/EOM in 2011.
This is the fifth time the OAS will observe elections in Guyana.