– GSMA reminds, urges transparent, credible conclusion of elections

THE Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has expressed grave concern on the negative effects being experienced as a consequence of the delayed 2020 National Election results.

In this vain the GMSA is forcefully directing its voice to the major political stakeholders, in seeking a democratic and timely resolution to the present impasse.

“We support a transparent process of verification of votes cast, in all regions, in a manner that sustains confidence in our electoral process, and that establishes mature governance of our country for present and future generations. This will redound to a good business climate, and secure livelihoods,” the GSMA said in a release.

It noted that business thrives on political stability, and the current impasse was very disruptive and threatens to erode gains made through the support of regional and international partners and widens ethnic divisions.

Failure to settle the election issues in a timely manner, currently compounded by the global coronavirus pandemic, is creating hardships for the entire community, inclusive of both employers and employees, the GSMA said, noting that layoffs have already commenced at some companies and may be expanding.

“We recognise the specific roles ascribed to political parties, civil society, and Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), as outlined in our Constitution, in consort with the neutral presence of both local and international observers. Nevertheless, we call on the political parties and GECOM to put the interest of Guyanese citizens first in all decisions and actions,” the manufacturers’ representative body said.

The verification of all votes, based on established transparent procedures and processes in accordance with the relevant laws, remains a prudent course of action, for all regions and districts, the GSMA reminds.

“As responsible members of Guyanese society, with a primary focus on industrial and social development, we wish to make a special plea to GECOM for appropriate action, as recommended, to be taken to defuse the present dangerous and volatile environment,” the release concluded.