US Foreign Relations Committee wants elections results declared despite CCJ orders

Despite the Caribbean Court of Justice ordering a stay on elections declaration here the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee has urged that the results of the recount he declared.

Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues, on Friday released the a statement encouraging Guyanese authorities to begin a democratic transition of power that reflects the results of the March 2nd general and regional elections: “Nearly four months since their national election, the Guyanese people are still waiting for an official result following the general and regional elections in their nation. This is unacceptable. “We share in the frustration expressed by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of American States (OAS), and other international stakeholders, and call on the Guyanese authorities to issue an official election declaration that reflects the results of the March 2nd election which were confirmed in the official recount by CARICOM’s observer mission.

“Recent reports suggest questionable maneuvers by interested parties designed to continue forestalling a final declaration of results, which members of the press say indicates a defeat for the incumbent government. President Granger should honor the will of the Guyanese people and concede. “We extend our support and solidarity to the people of Guyana, who have borne more than their fair share of patience during this process.

For their sake, the future of democracy and the rule of law in our hemisphere, the ongoing uncertainty and gamesmanship must end.” On May 12th, Risch, Menendez, Rubio, and Cardin led several colleagues in a letter to President Granger encouraging a free, fair, and transparent recount of the presidential election.