Govt says Golding’s statement partisan, biased and lacks credibility

—appears coordinated and pre-arranged

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, May 13, 2020

The Coalition Government has taken to task a statement made today by Bruce Golding who led an observer mission from the Organisation of American States (OAS) to Guyana’s March 2, 2020, General and Regional elections, noting that it was partisan, biased and incredulous.

During the ongoing national recount of the March 2 ballots, Golding sought to pronounce on the process during a virtual discussion with the OAS Permanent Council.

His statement surrounded a declaration that was already ruled on by Guyana’s Supreme Court.

CEO of the National COVID-19 Task Force and former Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon delivered the statement on behalf of the government this evening.

He said apart from it lacking credibility and leaning towards the opposition PPP, the government has noted the timing of the statement and its similarity in content and style to that of the Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo.

Jagdeo appeared at the same time before the media when Golding was addressing the OAS Permanent Council.  His appearance today was the first since the national recount commenced last Wednesday.

“It appears as if this as coordinated and prearranged to deliver statements which were strikingly similar in content and style,” Harmon said.

It was noted that Golding focused on the issue of declaration and other documents issued by the PPP “as if this is the authentic statement by GECOM.”

“This is the same posture taken by the PPP in publishing Statements of Poll which they have now taken down from their website because their Statements of Recount shows differently.”

The government said Golding’s statement is not only “exceptionally partisan” but it is grossly irresponsible and hostile to the nation and the people of Guyana. As a former Head of State of a CARICOM nation, the government said the statement smacks of gross disrespect for a sovereign state and the ongoing process supported by CARICOM.

“Golding’s partisanship and unquestionable links to the PPP compromise him and no longer can he be considered an independent observer. He has clearly demonstrated a bias for his close associates and appears to have now become an unabashed co-conspirator of the PPP as they seek to defy the will of the Guyanese people,” Harmon stated.

The government called on Guyanese to disregard the “distant voices” and pay attention to the unfolding situation.

Since the commencement of the national recount last week, counting agents have been reporting massive irregularities emanating from ballot boxes from the stronghold of the opposition PPP.

The government said Golding has clearly ignored the numerous instances of irregularities, discrepancies and anomalies which have been uncovered in the ongoing recount process.

“Dead and migrated voters, and unsigned affidavits of identity in boxes. How could you, Mr. Golding?” the statement questioned.