The discovery of a break-in of three containers holding ballot boxes is threatening to undermine parliamentary partnership talks between the country’s main political parties.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) said this and other evidence points to a clear conspiracy to “cheat the PPP/C of a clear parliamentary majority.”
The ruling party had initiated talks with the opposition coalition group, A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change after its 32-seat win in the November 28 general election left it without a majority in the 65-seat National Assembly.
President Donald Ramotar said the discussions were aimed at arriving at a consensus on the way forward.
“I can promise you that I would do my best to make this new arrangement work; and very, very soon we will have indications if I will have partners at the other side as we push our country forward,” he said.
The PPP/C is now accusing some political elements, which it did not identify, of using military-type planning and operation to frustrate and undermine the democratic process in Guyana.
The party said it is “flabbergasted by the on-going efforts by certain forces to interfere with the integrity of the 2011 elections material and vital evidence should there be either a recount or even a forensic audit, which the party is advocating.”
“… The PPP/C has always maintained that it remains unopposed to a total or partial recount of the ballots given our firm view that there was orchestrated misconduct at several polling station and divisions.
“It must be noted that the PPP/C was prevailed upon to withdraw its request for partial recount as the opposition had claimed that would delay the announcement of the preliminary results. This request was made by the PPP/C in light of certain facts and activities that took place and affected votes which were cast for the PPP/C.”
The ruling party said it expects the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and law enforcement authorities to move resolutely in apprehending those involved.
GECOM has not yet issued a statement on the matter.
Caribbean 360 News
