No incidents reported in elections in Guyana

by Oscar Ramjeet

Reports from Georgetown state that polling was extremely high in the general and local government elections which were conducted yesterday. Long queues were seen at most polling stations from early in the morning.

The turnout was massive because the incumbent People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) is going all out to remain in office, although It has already served more than 22 years in office.{{more}} The opposition parties, likewise, have conducted vigorous campaigns throughout the length and breadth of the country to remove the Donald Ramotar administration, which is being accused of corruption.

The main opposition party APNU, formerly the PNC, joined forces with the third party – the Alliance for Change – to remove the PPPC. The AFC comprises former top members of the PPPC, including strongman, Moses Nagamootoo, a former minister in the PPP regime. Nagamootoo is very influential in the sugar belt.

The opposition forces are attacking the PPPC because of glaring corruption, which prompted several lifelong and influential supporters to quit. A few joined forces with the opposition APNU, including Dr Cheddi “Joey” Jagan, son of the founder leader of the PPP Dr Cheddi Jagan.

Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, a prominent medical practitioner, who lives in Midland Texas, has also distanced himself from the party he supported all his life and endorsed the opposition movement.

Meanwhile, former US President Jimmy Carter, who went to Guyana to observe the elections, left Guyana on Sunday after falling ill on Saturday evening. No details have been released as to the nature of the illness of the 90-year-old.

Up to press time, no incident has been reported. This is somewhat unusual, because elections in Guyana are most times marred with clashes and violence.

The results will be close and a photo finish is anticipated. I am of the view that official results will not be known before Tuesday morning.