Letter to the Editor – March 23, 2020
The Editor
Dear Editor,
I was a teenager in the 1970s at the height of rigged elections in Guyana under the late President Forbes Burnham and the leadership of the PNC. I vividly recall the frustration and despair of my father, an ordinary working Guyanese, as he sat with pen and paper recording election figures announced on the radio for Port Mourant, the birthplace of Dr. Cheddi Jagan. Despite this, the PNC “won” there decisively, as it did across the country.
I voted in my first election in Guyana at the age of 32 in 1992. I remember my father’s excitement at the introduction of reforms such as counting at the place of poll, negotiated with the involvement of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. I also participated, serving as a presiding officer at a polling station in New Amsterdam. After those elections, I felt confident that Guyana had finally achieved free and fair elections, and I believed I would never again witness electoral malpractice in my lifetime.
Fast forward to 2015. The AFC emerged with strong principles and promises as a third-party alternative to the two dominant political forces in Guyana. Many citizens, frustrated with perceived corruption and governance issues, supported the APNU/AFC coalition. I, like many Indo-Guyanese, voted for the coalition, which subsequently formed the government.
However, prior to the 2015 elections, my brother, who resides in the United States and had also witnessed the rigged elections of the 1970s and 1980s, strongly cautioned me. His words still resonate: “Who gon tek them out back? Even Hymac can’t dislodge them.” I dismissed his concerns at the time, believing that in this modern era, such events were behind us.
Unfortunately, the events surrounding the March 2, 2020 elections proved otherwise. In a manner witnessed by the entire world, the electoral process appeared to be manipulated in a way that shocked and outraged many Guyanese. Personally, I had observed warning signs as early as 2016, which were further reinforced by the unilateral appointment of Justice Patterson as Elections Commissioner in 2017. By then, the AFC had, in my view, lost its independence.
Today, I observe calls for shared governance from individuals who previously accepted full control of government after a narrow victory in 2015. This inconsistency is deeply disappointing. To their credit, the PPP accepted defeat in 2015 and pursued legal channels through an election petition—an example of democratic maturity.
The coalition had a historic opportunity to unite the nation and foster inclusive governance. Many independent voters, including myself, supported them in good faith. However, subsequent actions, particularly following the No Confidence Motion, revealed troubling tendencies. It became evident to me that they would struggle to secure victory in the 2020 elections—a view I shared with government officials at the time.
As of March 23, three weeks after the elections, observers from the Chambers of Commerce in Berbice reported that the process in Regions 5 and 6 was conducted professionally and efficiently. GECOM staff from all backgrounds performed admirably. It is therefore a profound tragedy that the actions of a few individuals have once again brought Guyana into disrepute on the global stage.
I am particularly disappointed that the Chairperson of GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh, did not assert stronger leadership, as was done by former Chairmen Dr. Steve Surujbally and Brigadier General Joe Singh.
Today, our nation stands at a critical juncture, facing the dual threats of political instability and the emerging COVID-19 pandemic. I call on President David Granger to take decisive action and ensure that his legacy is aligned with the principles of democracy.
Sir, I voted for you in 2015 with hope for progress, not to see our country move toward uncertainty. You are known to be a man of faith and integrity. I urge you to act accordingly—take control of your party, withdraw legal challenges, and allow for a transparent recount of the votes.
Yours truly,
M. Raffik
President, Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce