IN the annals of Guyanese history, the year 2020 stands as a somber reminder of the fragility of democracy.
The protracted political crisis that gripped the nation following the March 2 General and Regional Elections was not merely a domestic affair but a dramatic episode that reverberated internationally.
Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C., in his recent reflections, underscores a crucial lesson from that tumultuous period: Guyana must never revisit the democratic transgressions of the past.
The 2020 elections were marred by an extended gridlock, as the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition appeared to undermine the electorate’s will. For months, the nation watched as an attempted subversion of democracy unfolded.

Over 100 governments globally condemned the coalition’s actions, highlighting the severity of the crisis. The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) further laid bare the coalition’s efforts to manipulate election outcomes, an effort that threatened to derail Guyana’s democratic trajectory.
This episode starkly contrasts with the transformative progress witnessed under the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration. Nandlall’s commentary brings into sharp focus how critical democracy is to national stability and progress.
He reflects on the historical context, recalling how 28 years of PNCR governance, marked by electoral fraud and economic mismanagement, plunged Guyana into bankruptcy. The legacy of rigged elections under former President Forbes Burnham’s regime is a poignant reminder of democracy’s importance.

The Attorney-General draws a compelling comparison with Venezuela, where the erosion of democratic norms has precipitated a humanitarian crisis. The plight of over 10 million Venezuelan refugees serves as a stark warning of what can ensue when democratic institutions are compromised.

Guyana’s relative stability and booming investment climate stand in contrast to Venezuela’s turmoil, underscoring the vital role of democratic integrity in fostering national prosperity.
However, as Guyana moves forward, it remains imperative to heed the lessons of 2020. The post-election period exposed severe strains on the nation’s democratic framework.
The APNU+AFC’s delay tactics and legal maneuvers attempted to obscure the clear electoral mandate given to the PPP/C, resulting in a five-month ordeal for voters who had expected a swift resolution. The eventual national recount confirmed the PPP/C’s victory, but not before significant damage was inflicted on public trust and the democratic process.

The recent internal elections within the PNCR have done little to restore confidence in the party’s commitment to democratic principles. Allegations of irregularities and lack of transparency have clouded the party’s legitimacy, reinforcing concerns about its capacity to uphold democratic norms. The shifting number of delegates and internal discord only further tarnish its image.
Nandlall’s insistence on remembering the 2020 imbroglio is not merely about historical reflection; it is a call to action. Guyana must remain vigilant and committed to preserving its democratic institutions. The current administration, while transformative, must also work to strengthen and protect democratic processes to ensure that such a crisis never recurs.

In a globalised world, where international scrutiny and sanctions can significantly impact a nation’s fortunes, it is clear that democracy is not just a political ideal but a practical necessity.
Guyana’s recent progress is a testament to the resilience and democratic spirit of its people, who have made it clear that they will not accept undemocratic rule. This collective resolve should be cherished and fortified to secure a future where democracy continues to thrive and drive national advancement.
As Guyana charts its path forward, let the lessons of 2020 serve as a continual reminder: democracy is not just a value to be proclaimed but a practice to be diligently preserved and defended.