—President highlights attempts by opposition parties to destabilise Guyana ahead of September 1 polls

—Says Opposition only interested in power

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has sounded the alarm over the recent threats being made to Guyana’s stability by opposition forces, as already one member aligned to a political party has announced a plot to release prisoners and others are suggesting that they will incite unrest if the governing party wins the upcoming elections.

The President spoke about these attempts to undermine the nation at a public meeting in Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Tuesday.

Dr. Ali cautioned citizens not to gamble with their future and understand what is at stake as he stated: “This is a time when you use your vote with your conscience, for your country, your family and your community.”

President Ali also said: “They want to release all the criminals, they are showing they have no respect for their elders and religious leaders. They are calling for all kinds of action if the PPP wins the elections. They don’t care about this country. They don’t care about the stability of this country. What they are after is power. What we (PPP/C) are after is the responsibility to take this country forward.”

The President is referring to recent statements by the chief spokesman for U.S.-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed’s party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN)- Bradley ‘Doggie’ Sampson.

While stating that he hopes Mohamed is paying close attention, Sampson said: “ …We’re going to bring out all the jail man except the rapers… all the jail men who’s incarcerated except the rape ones, y’all coming home September 1.”

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, on Sunday warned that any attempt to derail democracy will be dealt with accordingly by the country’s security services.

Dr. Jagdeo condemned those who, facing certain defeat, are already sowing the seeds of unrest.

“Norton said, ‘If I don’t win and if the elections are rigged, there will be trouble in Guyana. ’ “And Azruddin Mohamed, in his delusional state, says, ‘I did a poll…that showed that I’m winning the presidency. I’ve already won in regions 1, 7, 8 and 9 and the PPP is planning to rig… and there’ll be trouble in Guyana.”

Dr. Jagdeo said, referring to Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and controversial businessman-turned-presidential hopeful Azruddin.

Dr. Jagdeo lambasted Mohamed’s claims as pure fiction, describing them as “dangerous delusions” and accusing him of parroting the “old, reckless language of the PNC”

“Now, he has adopted the language of the PNC, the old language of the PNC,” Dr. Jagdeo added, reminding of the People’s National Congress/Reform’s dark legacy of electoral chaos and instability.

In a firm warning to all would-be agitators, Jagdeo made clear that the state’s security apparatus stands ready and capable.

“The security forces are ready to take on anyone who tries to disrupt the peaceful poll in these upcoming elections,” the General Secretary said.