In a recent statement, Minister Priya Manickchand addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding the election recount process, emphasizing the legal right of political parties to request a recount. She expressed satisfaction with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) conducting the recount, noting that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has historically not always benefited from this right.
Manickchand criticized the opposition parties for what she described as a “campaign of deceit” following the elections. She highlighted that these parties had polling agents present at every location, who worked alongside GECOM staff of diverse backgrounds. According to her, the presence of these agents ensured that the voting process was transparent, as they witnessed every voter and verified their identities against the official lists.
She pointed out that all polling agents left with a Statement of Poll (SOP) that mirrored the results posted outside each polling place. Furthermore, parties had representatives at the tallying stages, where they could either accept or contest the results. Manickchand insisted that the opposition was aware of the election outcomes, asserting that any collaboration aimed at undermining the process should be rejected by the public.
While acknowledging that not every polling place operated identically, she maintained that any irregularities did not affect the overall election results. She specifically referenced an incident involving Hana Mohammed, who allegedly observed the count without proper accreditation. However, Manickchand affirmed that such irregularities did not impact voter behavior or the final tally.
The minister reiterated that the PPP/C emerged victorious due to public perception of service delivery, contrasting it with the perceived failures of the opposition. With a lead of over 130,000 votes, she declared that the recount would not alter the election results, affirming that Irfaan Ali would be sworn in as the next President of Guyana.
In closing, Manickchand showcased Dr. Joshua Kanhai, who was photographed safeguarding the Statement of Polls from sub-district 3 in Region 3, underscoring the integrity of the electoral process.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the focus on transparency and accountability remains critical for all stakeholders involved.
Tragic Loss: Former National Cycling Champion Alanzo Greaves Dies in Motorcycle Accident
