President Dr. Irfaan Ali has called for calm and responsibility as Guyanese prepare to head to the polls for the General and Regional Elections on Monday. In a televised address, the Head of State emphasized the importance of unity and respect for the electoral process.
President Ali urged citizens, political leaders, and activists to act with restraint and maturity, stating that democracy should serve as a unifying force rather than a divisive contest. “Elections should not be a contest to divide us, but a mechanism to unify us under the banner of democratic sovereignty,” he declared.
He encouraged every eligible voter to approach the ballot box with confidence and dignity, urging them to “vote free from fear, vote free from intimidation.” The President stressed the importance of respecting each individual’s right to make their own choice, stating, “It is our solemn duty to respect each other’s choice, but even more so, to respect the collective will of the people.”
Highlighting the role of law enforcement, President Ali assured the public that agencies are prepared to maintain peace and security. However, he emphasized that the greater responsibility lies with citizens themselves. “Peace will prevail, not because it is enforced, but because it is embraced,” he noted.
The President specifically called on political leaders and activists to temper their rhetoric and avoid actions that could incite conflict. “Let us avoid inflammatory rhetoric. Let us respect the rules of the electoral process,” he appealed, urging a spirit of decency and good sense.
Reminding the nation of the sacrifices made to secure the right to vote, President Ali warned against taking this privilege lightly. “To reject this right is to dishonour their sacrifice, to surrender it carelessly is to imperil our sovereignty,” he cautioned.
As the nation prepares for the elections, he urged that the conduct of the polls set a tone of collaboration and unity. “When the ballots are counted and the results declared, let us not allow bitterness, enmity, or disappointment to stain the process,” he said.
In closing, President Ali expressed hope for a peaceful and orderly election, stating, “I urge that through our actions, we ensure that these elections are peaceful and orderly; that our democracy once more prevails with honour and that our motherland emerges stronger and more united.”
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