Dear Editor,
In response to statements made by the Canadian High Commissioner on the EU’s Electoral Report, in his usual authoritarian—style, devoid of facts,
Joel Bhagwandin’s attempt to equate Guyana’s democracy with Canada’s is fundamentally flawed and ignores the stark realities that define each nation’s political landscape. While Guyana struggles with weak institutions, corruption, and limited political freedoms, Canada exemplifies a mature, rule-of-law democracy rooted in strong institutions, transparency, and respect for human rights.
Canada’s democracy is grounded in a well-established legal framework that enforces free speech, independent judiciary, and transparent electoral processes. The recent enactment of the Online News Act is a prime example of a sovereign, democratically legislated effort to support local media and regulate corporate influence—an essential component of safeguarding democratic integrity. Despite Meta’s retaliatory news blackout, Canadian citizens retain full freedom of speech and robust debates across all platforms, which is a hallmark of liberal democracy, not repression.
In contrast, Guyana’s democratic credentials remain fragile.
International observers like the Carter Center and European Union have highlighted issues such as electoral manipulation, inadequate transparency, and rising political polarization that threaten the integrity of its democratic process. According to Freedom House, Guyana’s scores for political rights and civil liberties have declined, reflecting a regression that questions the authenticity of its electoral process and freedom of expression. Many reports point to state-controlled media, harassment of opposition voices, and inefficient institutions that undermine citizen rights and accountability.
Bhagwandin’s narrative downplays these critical issues, attempting to dismiss Guyana’s democratic deficiencies as comparable to Canada’s. The reality is that in Guyana, political manipulation, corruption, and weak judicial independence have, over years, eroded both electoral confidence and civil liberties. Meanwhile, Canada’s democracy is characterized by consistent respect for the rule of law, judicial independence, and a vibrant civil society that actively challenges abuses and advocates for reforms.
Furthermore, Canada’s democratic maturity is reflected in its capacity to protect minority rights, maintain peaceful transitions of power, and ensure citizens’ voices are represented without fear of retribution. Guyana, on the other hand, faces systemic challenges that threaten the very foundation of democratic stability—challenges that cannot be dismissed or trivialized with comparisons based on superficial narratives.
In sum, the claim that Guyana’s democracy stands on par with Canada’s is not only inaccurate but also counterproductive. True democracy requires more than holding elections; it demands durable institutions, respect for civil liberties, and a government accountable to its people—dimensions where Canada undeniably leads by example. To genuinely bolster democracy in Guyana, efforts must focus on strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, and safeguarding citizens’ rights—objectives that are miles apart from superficial comparisons or rhetorical posturing
Sincerely,
Hemdutt Kumar
