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Guyana's President Irfaan Ali joins with Canadian diplomat and officials in the toast to Canada Day on Tuesday night. (CMC Photo)
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Canada says it will join with other international countries and organisations in monitoring Guyana’s regional and general elections, scheduled for September 1 this year.
“Canada will work with the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities. We will work with the Organisation of American States and we will work with the Carter Center to ensure accessibility, transparency and fairness because a strong democracy makes for a strong nation,” Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Sebastien Sigouin, said at a reception on Tuesday night ahead of Canada Day on July 1.
The High Commission here serves both Guyana and Suriname, with the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country last weekend announcing the results of the May 25 general election, resulting in a coalition administration to replace that of outgoing President Chandrikapersad Santokhi.
The Canadian diplomat said that the electoral process in Suriname was “peaceful and well-organised” and that his country is on standby to assist Suriname and Guyana in their post-election periods.
“Now, both Guyana and Suriname – for both of those countries – the road ahead may have challenges but Canada will be here as a partner and as a friend,” he said.
The European Union has also promised to dispatch an election observer mission to Guyana, and the heads of the American, British, Canadian and European Union diplomatic missions recently met separately with a number of political parties here to discuss the preparations for the elections.
Speaking at the reception, President Irfaan Ali said Guyana is committed to upholding the very same principle of transparency, fairness and respect for the will of the electorate.
He said in this regard, Guyana takes inspiration and encouragement from its democratic partners, including Canada.
“Today, Canadians can be proud of their achievements as a people, the result of hard work and determination in building a country of global impact and strength,” Ali said, adding that Canada Day represents more than a commemoration of a significant constitutional milestone…and in that regard Guyana feels a special kingship with Canada.
‘We too are a plural society. A country where difference is not simply tolerated but woven into our national status,” Ali said, noting the various other similarities between the two countries.
But he made clear that such development can only be achieved in an environment where “credible elections are conducted.
“The voice of the people was heard and more importantly it was respected. That is the essence of democratic governance and we in Guyana salute your commitment. Guyana too is preparing for elections, scheduled for September 1 this year, and we are committed to upholding the very same principles of transparency, fairness and respect for the will of the people,” he said, adding that the two countries should continue to build upon its existing “good relations” that is “not only strong, but enduring, inclusive and sustainable.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) says the 10 Returning Officers and the 10 Supernumerary Returning Officers have been administered their Oaths of Office by GECOM’s chairperson, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh.
GECOM said that the oath-taking ceremony marks a key step in preparations for the conduct of the elections since the Returning Officers will be responsible for overseeing the electoral process in their respective districts, while the Supernumerary Returning Officers will have responsibility for the respective sub-districts as provided for in the Representation of the People Act.
It said political parties and electors can now visit the offices established in their respective districts to obtain pertinent information in relation to the electoral process and key statutory timelines.
“GECOM reaffirms its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and integrity in all aspects of the electoral process,” it said, noting also that 24 political parties desirous of contesting in the elections have submitted symbols for approval.
The Commission is scheduled to consider and approve the symbols received on Tuesday, July 1, and immediately thereafter, the parties will be informed about the outcome.
The political parties are also required to submit their respective Lists of Candidates on Nomination Day, July 14, along with a copy of their pre-approved symbol to the Chief Election Officer, GECOM added.
