THERE is great elation on the part of supporters of the Opposition coalition (APNU+AFC), which is soon to form the next Government, but time will tell if this is cause for celebration or regrets.The incumbent PPP/C is adamant that the 2015 General and Regional Elections have been ‘rigged’ and has since been clamouring for a recount of the ballots. President Donald Ramotar even produced evidence to GECOM yesterday, of actual cases of discrepancies in Statements of Poll.
Signs are also emerging of maybe a more sinister plot involving groups and key individuals from overseas to prevent the PPP/C’s call for a recount of the ballots, even though there are glaring evidence of discrepancies and irregularities.
There is also much darkness in the hearts of PPP/C supporters, who are very fearful that Guyana will return to the dark days of the PNC rule, with all that this implies.
Then there are those who hope that this new dispensation will precipitate, or at the minimum, continue the development path that the former Government pursued by putting the nation first, instead of focusing on the negatives that have plagued this nation for decades.
There is a ‘wait and watch’ approach by most of the citizens, who are battle weary of the Guyanese political dynamics and only want to be left to peacefully pursue their lives within the ambit of their constitutional rights. Governmental changes do not really matter to them if they are facilitated the fundamental structures for their personal development.
The gateway to progress can only be opened with leadership focused on equitable development and growth, with all other considerations being moot to the general milieu.
One-upmanship has no place in a country committed to peace, progress and prosperity, and this can only be achieved by a holistic approach by all stakeholders, with the leadership displaying great maturity and eschewing divisive and power-mongering politics because, ultimately, there is no real winner within a landscape of animosity and vengeance.
Guyana is entering into a new political era and arena. Is it time to celebrate? Should we allow inherent fears to prevail or should we step back apace and allow the new governmental dispensation space and time to prove that it would not replicate the atrocities of the PNC dictatorship?
The nation is holding its breath, and celebrations would only be appropriate if the new Government proves that it can be a catalyst for Guyana to finally exhale.