…congratulates President, PPP/C; commends GECOM, Granger

ON Monday, the Carter Center commended the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and its Chairperson Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, for finalising the results of the 2020 elections.

The center also extended its congratulations to President Irfaan Ali for his ascension to Guyana’s highest office and applauded former President David Granger for his statesmanship in recognising GECOM’s declaration of results.

“The center now calls on all political parties to work together to facilitate a smooth transition from one government to another. The Guyanese people have shown great patience throughout this protracted process, and they deserve a government that represents all Guyanese and that works collaboratively to move the country forward,” the Carter Center stated in a release.

The organisation acknowledged that the 2020 elections were a “true test of Guyana’s democracy” and highlighted “deep divides” that persist in Guyanese society. It said that the current political and electoral systems reinforce these divisions and therefore urged leaders in Guyana to move towards constitutional reform before the next elections.

The Carter Center urged: “It is critical that key leaders in Guyana now reach across the divide and work to ensure that fundamental electoral and constitutional reforms are completed as an urgent priority, well before the next election. Guyana’s political leaders spoke of these ideals during the campaign period, and the center calls on them now to work together to realise them. An inclusive reform process – with civil society leaders playing a key role, and with strong support from the international community – will be essential.”
As the PPP/C continues the management of Guyana, the organisation urged the new government to move quickly to begin this process and noted that it stands ready to assist in these efforts and advance Guyana’s vast potential.