President Granger urges Guyanese to not be swayed by misinformation

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His Excellency President David Granger.

DPI, Guyana, Monday, March 9, 2020

His Excellency President David Granger has noted with grave concern the misinformation being promoted by the Opposition following the March 2, 2020 polls and has urged Guyanese to remain calm and not engage in activities which contribute to the tension in the country.

In a statement issued today, the Head of State acknowledged that an official declaration has not yet been issued one week after General and Regional Elections were held, and uncertainty and unease have arisen.

However, he noted that the reason for the delay lies with opposition, which “created an atmosphere of intimidation and fear” at the office of the Returning Officer of District Number 4 that led to the interruption of GECOM’s work.”

The President reminded that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is an independent constitutional agency and maintained that at all times, he has respected and followed the Laws of Guyana.

“I assure the nation that, at all times, I have acted in accordance with the Constitution and Laws of Guyana.  After the elections on March 2nd, the nation awaited the declaration of the results by the Elections Commission after completing its work. I assure you, that as President, I cannot, did not and will not interfere in the work of GECOM.”

The Opposition also approached the Supreme Court seeking to prevent GECOM from making a declaration of the final results. This matter is set to be heard by the Chief Justice tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10th.

The Head of State highlighted that GECOM Chair Justice Claudette Singh, has indicated that she will await the outcome of that matter and advised that the entire nation follow suit.

The President stated that “the Opposition is disseminating a narrative that is no more than a falsification of reality. It is completely at variance with the official declarations of the Elections Commission for the ten electoral districts.”

He further noted the unlawful behavior of citizens over the past few days due to the Opposition controlled narrative.

“Guyanese, we have all witnessed the lawlessness and violence that have been unleashed on innocent school children, citizens and police officers in several districts of our country,” President Granger stated further noting that the security forces have been working maintain law and order.

“It is my sworn duty, as President, to uphold the Constitution and keep our citizens safe. I intend to do so. I will not allow political malefactors to highjack our democracy and compromise public order and human safety,” he underscored and appealed to citizens to keep the peace and allow good sense to prevail.

“Guyanese will continue to live with each other…we must not allow ourselves to be provoked into taking any action which will engender hate or disharmony” he said and expressed confidence that a peaceful and lawful resolution will be made shortly.

In the meantime, the Head of State urged Guyanese to allow the Elections Commission to execute its mandate to deliver credible elections to the people.

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