The Forward Guyana Movement is calling for an immediate investigation into allegations of ballot box tampering following a press release from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on September 4. The movement expressed concern over GECOM’s response, which they claim deflected attention from video evidence showing improper handling of ballot boxes.
In a statement, Amanza Walton-Desir, representing the movement, criticized GECOM for attacking the individual who filmed the footage instead of addressing the serious allegations. “This is gaslighting of the highest order,” she stated, arguing that such actions insult the intelligence of the Guyanese people.
The Forward Guyana Movement also expressed alarm at a subsequent statement from the Guyana Police Force, which dismissed concerns about the integrity of the recount process in light of the video evidence. Walton-Desir pointed out that the Police’s reaction—rather than launching an investigation—contributes to a climate of doubt and suspicion surrounding the electoral process.
“The inviolability of ballot boxes is the cornerstone of free and fair elections,” Walton-Desir emphasized, asserting that tampering with ballot boxes not only undermines the election but also silences the voice of the voter. She urged GECOM to uphold its duty to safeguard the electoral process, stating that any compromise undermines the democratic rights of the citizens.
The movement condemned any attempts to justify or excuse misconduct in the electoral process, highlighting that such behavior perpetuates division and backwardness in the country. Walton-Desir contrasted Guyana’s electoral challenges with Jamaica’s efficient election process, calling for a commitment to principles that transcend political convenience.
In conclusion, the Forward Guyana Movement urged both GECOM and the Police Force to treat the allegations with the seriousness they warrant. They called for transparency, accountability, and decisive action to restore trust in the electoral process, appealing to the international observer groups still present in Guyana to take note of how these issues are being handled.
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