— stakeholders urge peaceful elections

THE single vote from the governing side of the House that helped the Opposition defeat the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government is an indication that democracy in Guyana is at work, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) said in a statement.

The ERC was among several stakeholders including the British High Commission, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) that said the fundamental tenets of democracy were upheld on Friday when the no-confidence motion was passed in the National Assembly.

In a statement on Saturday, the ERC said the debate on the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly is indicative that the democratic process of the country is at work, noting that despite sharp political differences, democracy was made foremost.

It noted too that the carried motion is unprecedented in the country and now paves way for the holding of General and Regional Elections in accordance with the Constitution.
“Our nation’s history is unambiguous in reminding us of the inherent challenges that unfortunately surrounds our electoral process. Clearly, the results of the said motion present another delicate period for our country and which uncompromisingly must be managed with utmost maturity through responsible leadership by all,” the ERC said.

The commission said it is cognisant of the potential for sensitivities to be heightened during this period, and as such, it urged Guyanese to foster harmony and good relations.

“The commission therefore wishes to encourage every Guyanese in all strata of our society to demonstrate an added sense of tolerance and respect for each other and the processes which will soon unfold. This is vital to the sustenance of our democracy and presents an opportunity for us all to collectively rise to the challenge of placing first the welfare of our nation and its people,” the ERC said.

HEARTENED
It said too that it is heartened over the sentiments expressed by political leaders thus far calling for peace and stability.
“This is the maturity and leadership that are necessary and which must be sustained and holistic in the national interest,” the ERC stated, while adding that it is also heartened by the transparent and peaceful conduct of the November 12 Local Government Elections.

“As we endeavour through these sensitive moments, all are encouraged to resist being overcome by emotions and to disallow the infusion of hatred. Let us remain mindful that all are sons and daughters of this dear land dependent on each other for the creation of the mutually desired future. It therefore becomes imperative that each play their part responsibly,” the ERC encouraged.

It said through its constitutional mandate, it remains ready and committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure peace and togetherness prevail during this process.
British High Commissioner to Guyana Greg Quinn, hours after the motion was carried, said democracy had prevailed, and called on persons to respect the end result.

“The democratic process as laid out in the Constitution has been followed. It is important that everyone now respects the results. Members of Parliament must be allowed to undertake their constitutionally mandated roles in the absence of fear or favour,” the British high commissioner said.

He said maintaining the fundamental tenets of democracy is paramount to all, noting that while everyone has the right to protest, it must be peaceful.
“We urge calm on all sides and look forward to a free and fair election and a campaign fought on the issues that confront Guyana and its future development,” High Commissioner Quinn encouraged.

Meanwhile, the Private Sector Commission (PSC), in a statement, said a private sector team led by Captain Gerry Gouveia was an active observer in the National Assembly on Friday during the debate.

DEMOCRACY PREVAILED
Based on its observation, the PSC said it is satisfied that democracy prevailed in the National Assembly, and Guyanese ought to be proud.

“The commission now calls upon our leaders and our people to continue to respect and honour the democratic decision of our Parliament. We urge our leaders to continue to respect and honour the highest principles of democratic government and the maintenance of law and order which our nation has embraced,” the PSC urged.

It added: “The Private Sector Commission expects that the nation will now properly prepare itself for a peaceful, free and fair election going forward.”
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, GTUC said while the decision in the National Assembly was not favourable to all, it was lawful and binding.

“The GTUC expects that the AFC Member, Charrandas Persaud, who voted for the government’s life to come to end, will share with his constituency, the coalition, as well as the nation the rationale for his decision-making. No longer should the public be made to accept, as the norm, public officials making critical decisions without providing justification. The coalition, but most specifically the AFC, needs to explain to the nation,” the union said.
It also said leaders must go all out to avoid or minimise triumphalism.

“All parties and citizens should be watchful of attempt to provoke conflict and create ethnic tension and mayhem. We still have a nation to build and a destiny to mould. We are One People, One Nation, One Destiny, and we cannot allow partisan interest to divide us,” the trade union body said.

It said too that Guyanese must now position themselves for early General and Regional Elections consistent with the Guyana Constitution and Representation of the People Act.
It noted that finances to execute such an exercise, coming immediately after the Local Government Elections, will take precedence over other expenditures.

OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH AND MATURITY
“Both parties, opposition and government, have a responsibility now to ensure the national interest is served. GTUC calls on every citizen to be a watchdog. Guyana has an opportunity for growth and maturity,” the GTUC emphasised.

Meanwhile, the President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce Haleem Khan urged Guyanese to go about their business as usual and let democracy prevail.
“Guyanese are proud that as a nation our leaders and citizens continue to respect and honour the democratic decision of Parliament. As such, the Chamber of Commerce urges leaders to respect and honour the highest principles of democratic governance and the maintenance of law and order which is paramount,” Khan said.

He said Guyanese should not allow partisan interest to divide the nation and as such all parties and citizens should be watchful of attempt to provoke conflict and create ethnic tension and mayhem.

In an open letter to the youth of Guyana, ASPIRE Youth Network Guyana said it is committed to bridging the gaps between all tribalisms that have historically divided the nation, whether it is race, ethnicity, colour, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, creed, political opinion or any other identifier.

COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
“We know that what has transpired as a result of this no-confidence motion beckons uncertain and unsettling times, but we urge you: Do not be afraid. YOU-th are the change that will revolutionise this country, so it is up to us to rise above racism and show love to every single Guyanese. No matter which party or principle you support, remember that you have a responsibility to move this country forward,” the organisation said.

It said that the next 90 days will be a test of the character of Guyana, and Guyanese, particularly youth must show the world that the country has learnt from the past.
“As young people, we ought to strive to be responsible and respectful citizens of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Let us use our advantage as the most educated generation, to show politicians and other members of society that we are a new era of civically engaged youth who will not let party lines and race move us. We are PRO-GUYANA!”

President of AMCHAM Guyana Zulfikar Ally applauded the process and called for all to respect the decision of the National Assembly.

“Amcham Guyana respects and supports the results of the democratic process of our nation’s Parliament. We commend and support both, President Granger and the Leader of the Opposition Dr. Jagdeo’s call for peace and cooperation as we head into general elections. Amcham also supports our country’s leaders in their call for calm and peace at this time,” Zulfikar said.

He urged Guyanese to remain united as one people, one nation, one destiny as the country heads into the election season.