– says will ‘hold accountable’ those causing delay

The Government of Canada has stated that it will “hold accountable” those working against a “swift and transparent conclusion” to Guyana’s March 2, 2020 elections.

In statement on Wednesday, Global Affairs Canada said that it will do all that is plausible, working with its international partners, to demand that Guyana’s over four-month long elections come to an end. “We support calls by the Organisation of American States, the Caribbean Community [CARICOM], the Commonwealth, the Caribbean Court of Justice and civil society organizations to announce the results based on the national recount, as validated by the CARICOM observer mission,” Global Affairs Canada stated, adding:

“In the interest of the democratic rights of the people of Guyana, Canada firmly maintains that the rule of law and democratic processes must be respected and a declaration be announced without further delay…Canada will continue to work with its partners in the international community, using all tools at our disposal, to demand a swift and transparent conclusion to the election process and hold accountable those who prevent it.”

Canada’s statement came shortly after the statement of United States (U.S.) Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, in which visa restrictions were announced for individuals “responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Guyana”. The names of those who have been placed on this list is still unknown to the general public.

However, the action was taken by the U.S. government even while the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has not yet made a declaration on the elections. Added to this, the matter of a final declaration from the Election Commission is still before Chief Justice, ag of the Supreme Court of Judicature, Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, CCH, SC.

Private citizen, Misenga Jones, moved to the High Court in an attempt to compel GECOM to declare the results of the General and Regional Elections in accordance with the Declarations made by the 10 Returning Officers in mid-March as advised by the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield. Canada said that it “strongly regrets” the elections impasse and stands in support with regional and international governments that have called on Guyana to conclude their elections.