Conversation Tree

INQUIRING INTO THE ELECTIONS

It was reported on June 15 that the Chair of GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh, opposed an investigation by GECOM into the elections proposed by Opposition nominated members. Justice Singh made a distinction between a review of GECOM’s processes in effectively conducting an election and an investigation into what transpired during a particular election. The Chair arued that GECOM may look into the effectiveness of the system to ensure that there are no weaknesses. However, GECOM cannot investigate the truth of particular claims, leading potentially to a determination as to the validity of the elections. This is not the function of GECOM but of a court of law under article 163 of the Constitution. This article empowers the Court to determine whether an “election has been lawfully conducted” or whether the result has been affected by “any unlawful act or omission.”

THE BAIL BILL AND POLICE HARASSMENT AND INTIMIDATION

The Leader of the Opposition could not have been under surveillance by policemen in full regalia, including masks, following his vehicle on motorcycles. He was being openly intimidated in the identical manner that Cheddi Jagan was for several weeks during the Desmond Hoyte administration when two policemen on motorcycles followed him for weeks. Only Jagan’s public confrontation and a public outcry stopped it.

CONSULTATION BETWEEN THE PRESIDENT ALI AND OPPOSITION LEADER NORTON

The recent consultation process between President Ali and Opposition Leader Norton commenced on May 13 and was adjourned for the President to provide the CVs of the nominees. Mr. Norton also requested the grounds on which the nominees were selected. The President indicated that the meeting will be reconvened within a week. But it was not until May 27 that Mr. Norton was invited to a meeting with the President on May 30. Mr. Norton did not reply and did not attend the meeting. President Ali proceeded to make the appointments.

INDEPENDENCE IN THE ERA OF OIL

The earliest manifestation of Guyana’s new status in the international community is the attention it attracted between the 21 December, 2018, and the 2 March, 2020. On 21 December, 2018, the majority of members of the National Assembly supported a motion of no confidence in the Government. This event attracted international attention, but not international intervention, as the refusal of the Government to resign and hold elections within three months in accordance with the Constitution played itself out in Court.