‘Only a fool would do something over and over again and expect different results’ (Albert Einstein). This reference is specifically directed at the Opposition, which seems intent on proceeding to an election with a bloated voters list—condemned by all and sundry, including regional and international observers at the 2020 General and Regional Elections.
Labour is a stakeholder in the elections. What this election means for Guyana is the determination of which group will have control over the national pie—oil and gas revenue, the most significant economic platform of these times. Labour is concerned about the equitable distribution of these resources to the benefit of the working class of Guyana.
The fact that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which in 2015 was among those who championed a clean voters list and biometrics as safeguards for free, fair, and credible elections, has now gone silent should have led to an intensification of efforts by the Opposition and other voices to pursue this path, even as we hold the PPP accountable. This is a political matter that requires political leadership to bring about the desired change. Civil society can only do so much and needs the backing of political forces. And civil society has been involved, including the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC).
The Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) is being reckless, in its pursuit of taking this nation into an election, knowing full well that the system is flawed and stacked against the delivery of free, fair, and credible elections. The agency’s recklessness is being emboldened by both the Government and the Opposition, and in this contest, it matters not who is more or less responsible.
Article 171(1) of the Constitution of Guyana allows for any member of the National Assembly to bring a Bill to Parliament. The Opposition should have brought a Bill seeking to amend the constitutional article on the voter list to allow for the removal of names that ought not to be on it. The Opposition was so apprised, publicly and privately. They should let the nation witness the Government’s acceptance or rejection of their legitimate pursuit to fix the voters list. The Opposition is not without the technical competence or access to resources to draft such an amendment.
Then there is the issue of the Opposition-nominated commissioners, who sound like voices crying in the wilderness about the shenanigans within GECOM. The matter of elections requires political action, and these commissioners have been pointing out sometimes publicly and, I am sure, privately, the corrupt practices within GECOM.
For instance, even the Work Plan agreed to by GECOM is not being adhered to. The nation is being advised that this non-adherence comes at the instigation of President Irfaan Ali and a compliant Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh, both of whom have overstepped their authority.
Elections in Guyana are always a source of grave discontent because they rip open, once again, the scab of ethnic tension and divisions that are never allowed to heal. This is not due to a lack of desire on the part of the people, but a lack of political will to foster an environment that welds the people together.
Elections have become a weapon used for division. The workers of this country are caught in the tug of war between the two major forces. At the end of the day, the politicians will continue to hobnob, while the citizens, if they are not careful, bear the brunt of the animosity generated from this unwholesome process. It need not be so.
The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is deeply concerned about the peace, security, and stability of the nation, and about the future of every worker in this country. It matters not which union they belong to, the colour of their skin, the texture of their hair, their political affiliation, or the region they come from.
Politics affects every worker’s life—past, present, and future. Therefore, this electoral issue, which is likely to impact the lives of all workers, our youth, and our pensioners, must be conducted in an atmosphere that respects the people and the institutions established to protect their rights and freedoms. This remains at the core of the concern of the Labour Movement, which fought to secure local governance and the right of every worker and individual to participate and have their vote counted: one man, one vote.
I say one eligible man, one vote—not a missing man or woman (that is, one who never existed, is deceased, or is absent from the jurisdiction). One valid vote, correctly stamped and identified against a valid identity number or affidavit.
Any matter affecting the living conditions of any worker must be of concern to every worker. We must be guided not by emotions and self-interest, but by the Rule of Law and the national interest. No more, no less. Out of this election, we want to see the true will of the people represented.
It is not too late for the Government and the Opposition to get this right. The 1990 playbook of President Desmond Hoyte and Minority Leader Cheddi Jagan on electoral matters exists and can serve as a guide to provide the citizens with the political environment we deserve: free, fair, and credible elections!
