ACTING Chief Justice Ian Chang yesterday refused an application, by a motley group, to prevent the holding of the General and Regional Elections. Led by Dr. Philip H. Mozart Thomas, of South Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, the applicants approached the court for an injunction to stop the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from conducting the polls.
The case was heard in Chambers, where the petitioners were represented by attorney-at-law Mr. Mortimer Coddett.
The judge delivered his ruling after hearing lengthy arguments for and against the petition.
Thomas said that, having failed at that forum, they would now seek audience with GECOM.
Among other things, he and the others were asking the court for an injunction restraining GECOM from holding elections until it can clearly demonstrate that those who are participating are given equal opportunities in the media to explain their policies, without being subject to the dictates of any political party.
The applicants also wanted GECOM to show that the one national constituency that Guyana possesses is assured that the elections process is in fulfilment of its vested constitutional fiduciary duties, obligations and responsibilities mandated in the Constitution and the Representation of the People’s Act.
Senior Counsel Ashton Chase appeared for GECOM and Mr. Anil Nandlall for the other defendants.