THE Caricom Election Observation Mission has extended its stay in Guyana but not before declaring that the elections process of the 2015 Regional and General Elections was free, fair and transparent.Chairman of the Caricom Observer Mission, Earl Simpson told reporters yesterday that the regional team was scheduled to depart Guyana on May 12 and 13 but Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque requested that they stay on until the transmission and announcement of the official results, and they complied.
The mission reported that the procedures and orders of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) were observed, and all places of poll were opened on time.
The Caricom team observed voting at over 224 polling stations within 87 polling places. It also noted that polling staff were conversant with the counting process and they all executed their duties in a professional manner.
“We believe that the elections process was free, fair and transparent. The secrecy of the ballot was protected at all times and respected. The conduct of the poll should result in the expression of the will of the people of Guyana. We urged the people of Guyana to await the official announcement of the results and accept the decision regardless of the winner,” Simpson said.
The Caricom team focused on the administration side of the voting process on Monday, and Simpson reported that his team was impressed with GECOM.
On a different note, he said, the various issues that affect the electoral process in Guyana are systemic in nature. He suggested that in order to solve these issues, it would require whoever wins the elections and forms the next Government to work with the Opposition to address them.
It will require the two parties to be bold, brave and transformational, putting their country first and their party second and making comprehensive legislative changes to the constitution and electoral laws of Guyana.
“This process has to be led by the leader of the ruling party and the Leader of the Opposition party for it to garner the support of their political party members,” he said, pointing out: “We believe that after the legislative changes are enacted, then Caricom can be approached to provide experience and technical expertise from member states within Caricom who have the capacity to assist in the transformation of the electoral process.”
Simpson underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process, and for it to have the support of political stakeholders.
“We stand ready to support our brothers in the Caribbean community in ensuring that the electoral process that emerged from any change to the laws of Guyana are acceptable and embraced,” he said.

By Tajeram Mohabir