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The A Partnership of National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) is accusing the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government of managing the country as if it is their personal property.
The Opposition said a few days ago the government in haste signed a US$35 million contract with a German-based company for a Single Electronic Identification System and cards that will be issued to Guyanese.
“There was no public consultation, no parliamentary review, no new legislation, and no proper public procurement procedure. The e-ID card deal was simply dumped on the Guyanese people. The entire process is teemed with potential for corruption.”
Worse, the Opposition said the PPP has shown no regard for the far-reaching implications an e-ID system would have for (i) citizens’ privacy rights and comfort levels; (ii) the security and integrity of the central data system that will produce the cards and store data; and (iii) the continued use of the current ID cards, especially for voting. One wonders why the government would want such ID cards to use but does not want it for electoral purposes. Clearly, the government means no good and is intent on staying in power through fraudulent means.
The coalition said it is again warning society of the government’s lack of accountability and transparency which will continue to create greater mistrust between government and its citizens. “And greater mistrust leads to greater social and political instability.”
The PPP regime seems hell bent on raising tensions in our society at a time when we should be working together to ensure all Guyanese benefit from our oil and gas resources, the Opposition asserted.