CHAIRMAN of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes, has condemned the attack on a Team Benschop field supervisor who was posting Local Government Elections (LGE) campaign material in Georgetown on Monday.

In a Facebook post, Mr Hughes described the assault as “brutal and barbaric.” The Guyana Chronicle understands that at approximately 17:00hrs, Iqbal Rahim was brutally assaulted by an independent candidate contesting Constituency No. 2, Kitty area, as he was erecting flags on a utility pole.

Rahim claimed that the independent candidate known as “Bulldog,” who is associated with one of the leading political groups in Guyana, stomped and kicked him about his body, causing him to seek medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

“We have come too far as a country to even flirt with the return to the dark days of election violence…it was brought to my attention that Mr. Iqbal Rahim was viciously attacked while posting campaign material for Team Benschop in Georgetown,” Hughes said.

He further noted, “From all reports it would appear that Mr. Rahim suffered serious injuries. I unreservedly condemn this brutal and barbaric attack in the midst of the campaign for Local Government Elections. All candidates for Local Government Elections should be permitted to campaign unhindered, free from fear and intimidation in every square inch of Guyana.”

Mark Benschop who is the leader of the LGE group, Team Benschop, also condemned what he says are a series of attacks on his candidates and members over the past few days.

He is calling on all political parties, groups, individuals, the Diplomatic Corps, GECOM and others involved in the democratic electoral process to join this condemnation.

Moreover, he noted that while campaigning in Tucville, Constituency 12, Team Benschop candidates Mark Benschop, Royston Alkins and volunteers were trailed by Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and several persons in her company.
Benschop further explained that the Deputy Mayor had arrived at the exact spot Team Benschop was campaigning at right after they got to the neighbourhood as if they were summoned.

“The persons did not make direct threats, but acted in a way we deem intimidating,” he said.