IN the vibrant democracy of Guyana, elections are not just a constitutional mandate; they are a cornerstone of governance, and the reflection of the people’s will. However, as the nation approaches another critical electoral period, the rhetoric surrounding delays, biometric enhancements, and referenda has arisen.

At the centre of this discourse stands the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who has fervently critiqued the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) for what he perceives as deliberate attempts to derail the timely conduct of elections.

Dr. Jagdeo’s assertions against the opposition are not without precedent. The track record of the former PNC-led APNU+AFC coalition, notably during the contentious March 2020 general and regional elections, still lingers in the public consciousness.

The coalition’s attempt to alter the election’s results through alleged tampering and procedural delays has not been forgotten. In response, the PPP/C administration enacted amendments to the Representation of the People’s Act (ROPA), introducing strict penalties for election tampering. These amendments were intended to ensure the integrity of future electoral processes, reflecting the administration’s commitment to upholding democratic principles.

Central to the current debate is the opposition’s call for the use of biometrics and a referendum to renegotiate the 2016 oil deal. While biometrics can indeed enhance transparency, and prevent voter fraud, Dr. Jagdeo has raised valid concerns about its implementation.

He argues that the opposition’s push for biometric verification at polling stations is a veiled attempt to introduce delays.

Conducting a comprehensive biometric registration exercise, akin to a house-to-house verification process, could consume several months. Such delays, Dr. Jagdeo warns, could pave the way for the opposition to demand a transitional or interim government, a tactic he believes is part of their broader strategy to stall the elections.

The PPP General Secretary has reiterated his party’s stance on the electoral process. “We don’t want extra time; we want the elections to be held on time,” he said. This sentiment underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional timelines, ensuring that democracy prevails without unnecessary disruption. Dr. Jagdeo has also emphasised the need for international observers, robust polling agents, and the removal of deceased individuals from the voters’ list to guarantee a credible electoral process.

While the opposition’s call for enhanced biometrics could be perceived as a step towards greater transparency, its timing raises questions.

With elections imminent, implementing such a system could lead to logistical challenges, and disenfranchise voters. Moreover, the opposition’s suggestion to renegotiate the 2016 oil deal through a referendum further complicates the electoral landscape, diverting attention from the immediate task of holding free and fair elections.

It is worth noting that the PPP/C administration is not opposed to biometrics in principle. However, Dr. Jagdeo has stressed that it must not be used as a tool to disenfranchise voters, or delay the process. The focus, he argues, should remain on GECOM’s preparations to hold elections within the constitutionally prescribed timeframe.

Guyana’s democracy has been tested in the past, but it has always emerged resilient. The March 2020 elections and their aftermath serve as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to democratic principles. As the nation moves forward, it is imperative for all political actors to prioritise the collective good over partisan interests. The upcoming elections are not just about choosing a government; they are about reaffirming Guyana’s commitment to democracy, stability, and progress.

At this critical juncture, the nation must remain vigilant. GECOM, as the custodian of the electoral process, must stay focused on its mandate. The political leadership, regardless of affiliation, must ensure that the electoral process is conducted with integrity, respecting the will of the people. Only through such collective effort can Guyana continue to build a robust democracy, ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the future.