President Ali recognises contributions of ICD, diaspora to democracy

-at virtual Town Hall Meeting

His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has expressed his Government’s appreciation to the International Center for Democracy (ICD) and others in the diaspora for the ‘watch dog’ role they have played in safeguarding Guyana’s democracy, particularly during the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

The President was addressing a virtual Town Hall Meeting in New York, organised by the ICD.

His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

“Even prior to the elections, the ICD was in the vanguard of advocating for constitutional rule. Indeed, on the heels of the passage of the no-confidence motion in December 2018, the ICD was most vocal in demanding respect for constitutionalism.”

President Ali commended those locally and in the diaspora who stood their ground and demanded the will of the electorate be respected. He said the ICD was at the forefront of this movement during the impasse following the March 2, 2020 elections.

“Guyana owes a debt of gratitude to non-profit and non-partisan organisations in the diaspora, such as the ICD. It was the vigilance of democratic loving forces, their outspoken and principled stance and their robust and sterling advocacy which allowed democracy to survive the brutal attempt at its suppression.”

The President said every assault on free and fair elections is an attack on democracy and must never be allowed.  He noted that democracy remains the best-known system and “Guyana is attempting to perfect not pervert it’s democratic value.”

President Ali added that Guyana is strengthening its democracy by moving towards a more ‘inclusive, transparent and open’ form of governance.

He shared his Administration’s vision for Guyana, which he noted was articulated in the PPP/C’s manifesto which stated, “we all want a society which is free, prosperous, socially just, globally competitive and which serves every Guyanese equitably. Every Guyanese must have a chance at a good education, access to good paying jobs, be able to start their own businesses, raise and provide for a family, own their own homes, live in a safe, secure environment and retire with dignity.”

President Ali said his Government is involving persons with the required expertise and a commitment to the national interest in the management of the country.

He reflected on meetings with social and religious organisations, trade unions and the private sector. The President said he will continue to meet with these groups to benefit from their insights and to learn more about their concerns to take the country forward.

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