‘Guyana’s recount process is necessary’ – President Granger
─ process must satisfy the will of all Guyanese
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, June 14, 2020
Notwithstanding the several interruptions during the recount process of votes cast at the March 2 General and Regional Elections, His Excellency President David Granger remains optimistic that while the event created history in Guyana, it is necessary, since the results must satisfy the will of all Guyanese.
“It’s the first time this has happened in the history of this country. It is unique and it is necessary, and I am very confident at the end of the process the people of Guyana – despite the long delays – ought to be satisfied with the outcomes.”
The Head of State made his remarks during a sit-down interview with journalists at State House on Sunday.
In keeping with Stage 2 of the Gazetted Order, No. 60 of 2020, the Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield on Saturday presented his detailed report on the first stage of the recount process to GECOM’s Chairman, (retd) Justice Claudette Singh.
Following this act, the 7-member commission is expected to deliberate on the findings. This is the commencement of stage three of the four-stage recount procedure.
President Granger said while he has not yet read the report submitted by Lowenfield, he is quite aware that the process has come to an irreversible stage, where a result will eventually be declared.
He expressed the hope that the outcome will benefit all Guyanese and the country’s future generations.
President Granger further rubbished allegations that the APNU+AFC Coalition ─ which he sits at the helm as Chairman ─ colluded with anyone to interfere with the electoral process.
“We went into the election process like the PPP and the minor parties, and we expected an outcome in our favour and we campaigned very hard It was certainly the most impressive and impactful campaign that I have ever been involved in,” the President opined.
He disclosed that it was because of the reports of “manipulations and fraud” that he participated in the process to have a recount.
“What I have done as President is to embark on a process to expose fraud and to expose irregularities and I hope that the report of the CEO to the Commissioners would indicate that there has been a number of irregularities have impaired the credibility of the electoral process.”