Senior Counsel and former parliamentarian Roysdale Forde has sharply criticised the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), accusing the ruling party of attempting to “subvert the electoral process” by declaring victory in Monday’s General and Regional Elections before the official vote count has even begun.
In a strongly worded statement issued Tuesday, Forde described the PPP’s early declaration as “a brazen display of arrogance” and a dangerous move that threatens public trust and national stability.
“This outrageous maneuver comes at a time when the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has not even begun the official tabulation of votes – a critical process enshrined in our constitution to ensure transparency, accuracy, and the will of the people is respected,” Forde said.
According to GECOM, tabulation is still in its preliminary stages, with Statements of Poll (SOPs) from Guyana’s ten administrative regions only beginning to be compiled and verified. No constituencies have been declared, no national tally released, and no official results announced as of Tuesday morning.
Despite this, the PPP has signaled what appears to be a premature claim of electoral victory — a move Forde says is “nothing short of an assault on our nation’s sovereignty.”
“Elections are not won by press conferences, social media proclamations, or self-serving narratives peddled by those hungry to cling to power,” Forde stated. “They are won through the meticulous counting and verification of every ballot cast by our citizens.”
He questioned whether the PPP was “privy to some secret count” or attempting to “intimidate GECOM officials, sow confusion among the electorate, and pressure the international community into accepting a fait accompli.”
Forde warned that such actions risk destabilizing the country, especially in the context of Guyana’s contentious electoral history.
“This premature claim is not just irresponsible; it is dangerously inflammatory,” he said. “The PPP’s history of electoral overreach is well-documented – from gerrymandering accusations to allegations of voter suppression in opposition strongholds.”
“By jumping the gun now, they are signaling to the world that they prioritise power over process, victory over veracity.”
Calling for transparency and accountability, Forde urged GECOM to take proactive steps to restore public confidence by livestreaming the tabulation process, inviting independent observers, and providing interim updates.
“I call upon GECOM to accelerate their tabulation while maintaining the highest standards of transparency,” he said.
He also appealed to international stakeholders — including CARICOM, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Commonwealth — to withhold judgment until GECOM completes the official process.
“To the international community: do not be swayed by these premature declarations. Stand with the Guyanese people in demanding a full, impartial count.”
Forde ended his statement with an appeal for national unity and vigilance.
“Do not let the PPP’s desperation divide us,” he told citizens. “Our democracy is resilient, but it requires our collective resolve to protect it from those who would undermine it for personal gain.”
“Guyana deserves better. We deserve a government elected legitimately, not one that seizes power through sleight of hand.”
The PPP has yet to issue an official response to Forde’s remarks. GECOM’s official results are expected in the coming days.
