By Mark DaCosta- In his latest rebuttal to a couple of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) supporters, veteran trade unionist Lincoln Lewis articulates a staunch defence of electoral integrity in our country, responding vigorously to criticisms from Randy Persaud and Harry Hergesh. Lewis’s central thesis revolves around the urgent need for systematic electoral reforms, highlighting the necessity of implementing a clean voters’ list and biometric identification mechanisms to ensure free and fair elections for the Guyanese populace.
The letters penned by Persaud, a known supporter of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), and Hergesh, whose affiliations lie within the same political sphere, have prompted Lewis to reject their critiques without hesitation. According to Lewis, the concerns raised by these elites indicate a profound detachment from the harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens.
He emphasises that while Persaud and Hergesh may find discussions surrounding the integrity of our electoral process “tiresome” or “boring,” the working class cannot afford such complacency. Lewis states unequivocally, “We live the consequences of a corrupted electoral system every day,” asserting that the stakes are far too high for ordinary voters.
In his response to their letters, Lewis scrutinises the recent declaration from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), which reported a startling increase in the voters’ list, now standing at approximately 757,715. This figure is perplexing in the context of a national population hovering just below 800,000. He questions the legitimacy of these numbers and demands transparency, stating, “Let the Irfaan Ali/Bharrat Jagdeo regime explain these magical multiplications.” Such disparities in electoral data raise serious alarms and illustrate the potential for manipulation within our democratic processes.
The ongoing demand for electoral reform in our nation marks more than five years of unfulfilled promises, with citizens advocating for both an updated voters’ list and biometric safeguards; yet, these calls have gone unheeded. Lewis points to the hypocrisy of the PPP, which once championed these very reforms while in opposition, only to stifle them upon attaining power. He frames this shift as a “calculated betrayal,” asserting that the current ruling party has benefitted from a compromised electoral framework that undermines public trust and democratic principles.
Lewis reminds his readers of the historical struggle for democracy within Guyana, stating emphatically, “This country did not come by democracy through chance. It was earned.” He believes that the PPP’s refusal to embrace electoral reform stems from a deep-seated fear of losing their grip on power, as they are aware that a level playing field would jeopardise their ability to manipulate electoral outcomes.
In a chilling assertion, Lewis declares, “Let me make it very clear: GECOM serves the PPP, not the Guyanese people.” This statement exemplifies the unionist’s unwavering stance that the electoral commission has become an extension of party interests rather than a guardian of democratic process.
The consequential silence from Parliament on vital electoral reform issues, coupled with GECOM’s reluctance to act, demonstrates a worrying trend that jeopardises the very foundations of our democracy. As Lewis passionately asserts, “The PPP is fully aware that a clean voters’ list and biometric safeguards would break the stranglehold they have on power.” This manipulation reveals a blatant disregard for the electorate, a tactic poised to diminish the essence of democracy.
Lewis’s commitment to speak out against these injustices stands resolute. In an era when accountability is paramount, he refuses to be silenced or complicit. His dedication to the sacred principle of one man, one vote and the historical struggle of the Trade Union Movement propels him to defend the rights of all citizens with unyielding vigour.
He insists that if his principled stand against electoral corruption is deemed “tiresome,” he will embrace that description with pride, stating, “Let me be tiresome in defence of justice. Let me be boring in defence of democracy.” Such resolve underscores the seriousness of the fight for true representation in our nation’s elections
As the climate of political manipulation thickens, citizens must awaken to the threats against their democratic rights. The voices advocating for reform, like Lincoln Lewis, are vital in guiding our nation toward a future where electoral integrity is paramount, and the will of the people prevails over the interests of the few.
