GUYANESE, including supporters of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) should be justifiably proud of the party’s record of success in restoring the nation’s economy and dramatically transforming our country over these difficult years of struggle.“The struggle continues…we should be proud of our unstinting commitment and ceaseless efforts to preserve our country’s democracy,” said Mr Donald Ramotar, minutes after the declaration of the final results of the 2015 General and Regional elections by the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Mr Keith Lowenfield, and the announcement from GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, that Brigadier (rtd) David Granger is the new Guyanese leader.
He stated that while results of the 2015 General and Regional elections have been declared by the Guyana Elections Commission, they have unfortunately been “shrouded” in controversy.
MANIPULATION
In a televised address to the nation, Mr Ramotar charged that his party maintains its position that the electoral processes were “severely” compromised.
“My party remains convinced that a recount would have proven beyond any shadow of doubt that the electoral processes had been compromised and the PPP/C would have won,” he said.
The PPP/C leader added, “As you are aware, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic had requested the commission to conduct a recount of the ballots cast in view of the several irregularities and discrepancies found during and after the day of the elections. We believe that the electoral processes were severely compromised. That is why we requested a recount of the ballots. Regrettably, our repeated requests were denied by GECOM.”
Consequently, Mr Ramotar disclosed that the PPP/C will be moving to the courts to advance its case.
“We have agreed to pursue options for redress under the constitution and the law including an elections petition. Once again we are being removed from office, not through the will of our people, but by electoral manipulations. Yet we will remain steadfast in our commitment to the principles of freedom and democracy,” he stressed.
The PPP/C leader highlighted that GECOM by its constitutional mandate and the electoral observer missions have made pronouncements on the elections without taking into account the real concerns that have been brought to their attention by the Party.
“The right to universal adult suffrage and its exercise of ‘one person, one vote’ which the PPP won for the Guyanese people in 1953 is again under threat,” he declared.
REDOUBLE EFFORTS
Moving forward, Mr Ramotar assured that the PPP/C will redouble its efforts.
“Let us not be daunted, but redouble our efforts to keep our party strong and resilient. As we look to the future we will stand with our people to continue the struggle for freedom and democracy as we did decades before,” he said.
On that note, the PPP/C leader thanked the members and supporters of the PPP/C for their “unwavering commitment and support and for the confidence” that has been reposed with the party.
Mr Ramotar said, “I want to acknowledge all the hard work and sacrifices made by you in the campaign, particularly those supporters who toiled, sometimes unnoticed, to keep our machinery going. While we are disappointed, hurt and aggrieved, I urge you to remain calm in the face of widespread provocation associated with triumphalism.
“…my fellow Guyanese, it has been my humble honour to serve you as president of our dear land over these past three years. I have upheld my sworn duty to carry out my mandate without fear or favour.”
He underscored the fact that the PPP/C has a proud record of building a free and democratic country.
“Clearly these elections demonstrate that the freedom we have can still be compromised but we have always acted in the interests of all of our people. We will continue to do so and will remain steadfast in our commitment to serve all Guyanese and to work for the unity, stability and progress of our country,” Mr Ramotar said.
PRESERVE PEACE
The PPP/C leader also used his address to the nation to call on the leadership of A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) to take responsibility for the preservation of peace, during the transition.
“I am urging the new President and the APNU+AFC leadership to take urgent responsibility for the preservation of peace, the respect for all our citizens regardless of race, colour or creed and the protection of all Guyanese irrespective of political affiliation,” Mr Ramotar said.
According to him, Guyana now enters a new phase of political life, and he committed the PPP/C to strive for a strong democracy.
“As we enter into a new phase of our country’s political life, the PPP/C will continue to strive for a strong democracy, a cohesive society and a better Guyana…may God continue to bless the Republic of Guyana,” Mr Ramotar concluded.
By Vanessa Narine

‘We have agreed to pursue options for redress under the constitution and the law including an elections petition’ – Outgoing President Donald Ramotar

‘I want to acknowledge all the hard work and sacrifices made by you in the campaign, particularly those supporters who toiled, sometimes unnoticed, to keep our machinery going. While we are disappointed, hurt and aggrieved, I urge you to remain calm in the face of widespread provocation associated with triumphalism’ – Donald Ramotar

‘My fellow Guyanese, it has been my humble honour to serve you as president of our dear land over these past three years. I have upheld my sworn duty to carry out my mandate without fear or favour’ – Donald Ramotar