IN light of the recent pockets of unrest in electoral District 4, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) explained that these incidents have been noted but they are under the mandate of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).Speaking at a press conference held at the GECOM Media Centre in Kingston, Georgetown, GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield said, “our role is to conduct and mandate elections.”
He added that “if there is unrest, then my colleagues across the way (GPF) who are trained specifically for this will have to treat [with] it.”
According to Lowenfield, all the instances of unrest were reported and these reports are with the police who are trained and are competent to handle these situations. Responding to the question of attempts to infiltrate polling stations, he related that “whatever the police have done we are very thankful for the efficiency in which they have conducted their duties.”
Speaking on the alleged stolen three ballot boxes from a polling station in Sophia, he noted “we have not been informed of this incident, only the incident that occurred this morning (May 11) in South Ruimveldt was communicated to GECOM.”
The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) expressed alarm over the threat of social unrest to disturb the peace and good order in our country. In a statement, the party related that “these ominous signs of discord and of potential unrest emanating from the opposition camp were sown during the just concluded elections campaign.
“From all indications, the APNU+AFC (A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change) camp is preparing the grounds for rejecting the results of the elections in the eventuality of a PPP/C victory at the polls.”
It was also related that a few examples that the party would like to highlight are “Granger’s outburst that the Preliminary Voters’ List is “unclean” and he did not present a shred of evidence to justify his claim. Second, Granger’s condemnation of all previous general and regional elections since 1992 claiming that all elections then were rigged; and third; Granger’s ridiculous speculation that the opposition will win 62% of the votes.”
According to the PPP/C, “What if the Opposition does not win the percentage predicted by Mr. Granger?”
The PPP/C has taken note of GECOM Chairman Dr Surujbally’s statement to the effect that “all the valuable work done by GECOM in preparation for the 2015 elections is being threatened as a result of the too many episodes of turbulence.”

The PPP/C notes that while it continues to adhere steadfastly to the Code of Conduct signed by the contesting parties, and further it has kept its supporters in line with the letter and spirit of the Accord. The party on the same note related that “ the same cannot be said for the Opposition; two examples are cases where the Opposition , in spite of appeals by Mr. Granger to unruly supporters to allow Mr Kwame Mc Coy to leave St Sidwell’s Primary School unharmed , he was nevertheless brutally stoned causing great physical damage to his face and a fractured jaw.”

Secondly, “The appeals to a mob of APNU+AFC supporters by Joe Harmon at a polling place at Sophia accusing a PPP/C candidate of stealing ballot boxes. The mob ignored Mr Harmon and marched to Mr Khublal’s residence and began stoning his house and burnt his mini-bus.”
Another incident the party highlighted was the formation of hostile crowds outside polling stations threatening those inside and preventing PPP/C candidates from entering the polling station to witness the counting of the votes.
In closing, the PPP/C emphasized: “It is clearly a well organised and orchestrated event by the Opposition that is centrally directed, since it has been a common pattern in certain areas particularly in Region 4 (Demerara/Mahaica) and within the city of Georgetown. The PPP takes serious note of these ominous developments and the grave danger they pose for the smooth and problem-free realisation of the 2015 General and Regional elections.”
However, “the PPP stands ready as always to defend the country’s democratic gains and the well-being of the Guyanese people.”