Opposition leader procuring, counselling breach of the law – AG Williams

─ a criminal offence to tell people not to register

 DPI, Guyana, Monday, July 22, 2019

The call by Opposition Leader, Hon. Bharrat Jagdeo for citizens to boycott the ongoing House-to-House Registration by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is a criminal offence and could have dire consequences.

This is according to Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Basil Williams, SC. Journalists were informed today that the procuring and counselling by the opposition leader is a clear breach of the law.

“It is an offence to tell people not to register. You need to register, if you don’t register, you are guilty of an offence. And if someone incites you to not register, they are counselling and procuring you to commit an offence.”

Even before the start of the registration process last Saturday, the opposition leader had called on citizens to refuse participation, despite the warning by GECOM, that the process was a legal and requisite one.

GECOM has already reported some reluctance by citizens to participate in the registration, in some areas across the country. The AG said there have also been reports that enumerators are being threatened. He said the police will be there to protect.

The Coalition Government has been adamant that House-to-House Registration is necessary for the holding of credible General and Regional Elections, whenever they are called.