Dear Editor,
THE Alliance for Change (AFC) is attempting to appear concerned about democracy and the Guyanese people by addressing the issue of a bloated voter list. Given the pontifications, the average Guyanese cannot be faulted for thinking the AFC’s show is nothing but that; a show that is intended to mislead.
The AFC’s assertion that the voter list is bloated seems to be an attempt to maintain their political relevance. As a country, we have made significant progress since the days of Burnham, when elections were notoriously rigged with fictitious voter lists.
The current safeguards and processes are designed to ensure fair and transparent elections. The AFC’s current stance on the voter list appears to be more about gaining political attention than addressing genuine issues. By focusing on practical and inclusive measures, the AFC could contribute more meaningfully to the improvement of the electoral system in Guyana.

GECOM has repeatedly emphasised that there are robust safeguards in place to ensure the integrity of the elections. These safeguards include the presence of political party agents at each polling station, accurate voter identification, the use of indelible ink to prevent multiple voting, the presence of security personnel from the Guyana Police Force, intensive voter education campaigns, thorough training of Election Day staff, on-site ballot counting in the presence of authorised representatives from contesting parties, and the presence of both local and international observers throughout the voting and counting processes.

At the legislative level, several reforms have been advanced. At the political level, given our experience in 2020, vigilance is the watchword.
The AFC owes the general public an apology for their role in the 2020 fiasco. Rather than focusing on political grandstanding, the AFC should advocate for several constructive ideas that would genuinely benefit the electoral process and the voters.
For instance, they could support more accessible polling stations to ensure all voters, including those with mobility challenges like the elderly or disabled, can easily access voting locations. This could involve setting up polling stations on the ground floor, or providing ramps and other accessibility features.
Secondly, it seems that the AFC is also trying to make the public forget their previous political machinations. In 2011, they campaigned to be the Third Force in Parliament, promising to push projects beneficial to the public.
However, they ended up cutting every single project, including the Amaila Falls project, which would have significantly boosted the standard of living in Guyana today. In 2015, they teamed up with the PNC (APNU), and did nothing productive for the Guyanese public.
Now, the AFC is attempting to rebrand and appear relevant again. Their interest in GECOM seems to be a strategic move to gain public goodwill. As the 2025 elections approach, they will likely claim to be the Third Force for the people. Guyanese should not be fooled; the AFC’s primary goal appears to be a return to office to enrich themselves.

Editor, the AFC’s history is marred with failures and self-serving actions. Their sudden interest in GECOM and the voter list is a transparent attempt to regain relevance, and manipulate public perception.
In reality, the AFC’s track record shows that they are more interested in power and self-enrichment than in genuinely serving the public. Their current tactics are designed to distract from their past failures, and present a facade of concern for democratic processes.
Guyanese citizens deserve better than a party that prioritises its own interests over the nation’s progress and well-being.
Yours sincerely,
Nalinie Singh