SECRETARY-GENERAL of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland, has urged the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to adhere to the directions given by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to conclude Guyana’s elections so that the country can fully refocus on its governance.
In a release on Sunday, she welcomed the July 9, 2020 statement from the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, which she said called on all stakeholders to respect the ruling of the CCJ, Guyana’s final court of appeal.

Scotland said that the court’s ruling was “clear and unambiguous,” as the CCJ stated that it is for GECOM to ensure that the election results are swiftly declared in accordance with the laws of Guyana.

“Guyana is a much loved and valued member of the Commonwealth. On behalf of the entire Commonwealth family, I strongly encourage the Guyana Elections Commission to follow the directions given by the CCJ and decisively conclude the 2 March, 2020 elections based on the results of the national recount. The will of the people as expressed in the 2 March 2020 General and Regional Elections must be respected for democracy to prevail in Guyana,” the Commonwealth Secretary-General stated.

“I urge all political actors and stakeholders in Guyana to accept and respect the results of the national recount and ensure that their words and actions promote an environment of peace, harmony and social cohesion among all Guyanese. Guyana’s destiny as a great nation rests on the shoulders of those men and women who are duty bound to make the right decision, respecting the will of the people and the rule of law, and ready to place their country before their personal ambitions.”

Scotland further noted that the Commonwealth calls on Guyana’s leaders to be faithful to the common good so that Guyana can embark on its bright future ahead.