AS we reflect on the tumultuous March 2020 General and Regional Elections in Guyana, it is necessary to revisit the horror moments that threatened to derail our nation’s democratic process and the massive progress we have made since then.

The 2020 elections will forever be etched in Guyana’s history as a period that tested the very foundations of our democracy.

What was intended to be a mere exercise in democratic engagement turned into a five-month ordeal marked by atrocious attempts at preventing the people’s choice.

The recent Commission of Inquiry exposed the “shockingly brazen attempts” by senior GECOM officials to manipulate vote counts in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition. This deliberate effort to “steal the election” is a reprehensible breach of public trust and a grave assault on our democratic institutions.

Most disturbing was the apparent complicity of certain members of the Guyana Police Force, and in particular the Tactical Service Unit, that operated under “direct political direction” to frustrate the scrutiny of Statements of Poll.

But the Guyanese people’s resilience and the international community’s steadfast solidarity in the end prevailed. The PPP/C’s persistence in presenting their Statements of Poll and the national recount that followed were instrumental in exposing the attempted fraud and securing a just outcome.

The international condemnation of over 100 governments was also a stern rebuff to those who tried to annihilate our democracy.
Over the years in office, PPP/C governments have made tremendous leaps in not merely preserving but really strengthening our institutions of democracy.

The contrast between the chaos in 2020 and stability and progress we see today is surreal. Guyana has made tremendous strides under the guidance of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, with over 90% of the commitments made in PPP/C’s manifesto having been realised.

The transparency and accountability shown by the government is to be appreciated.

Moving forward, it is essential that we remain vigilant in the defence of our democratic process. Those lessons learned in 2020 must never be forgotten. The PPP/C’s struggle for freedom, unity, and democracy remains relevant today as it was 75 years ago. Their fight to unite Guyanese and protect our hard-fought democratic freedoms must be commemorated.

Lastly, although the 2020 crises were a stark reminder of the vulnerability of democracy, they also demonstrated the mettle of the Guyanese nation. Under the PPP/C, not only did Guyana survive this crisis but prosper today. In continuing to forge and even more prosperous and democratic nation, let us re-commit ourselves to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law on which our democracy is founded.