Media Center

Press Release

ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL OPTIMISTIC ABOUT ELECTIONS IN GUYANA

With three weeks remaining until elections in Guyana, the'Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Ambassador Albert R. Ramdin, said today he is optimistic that government authorities, political parties and voters are committed to ensuring a peaceful, democratic electoral process.

"In the next days and weeks, the actions of political leaders, parties and civil society will play a critical role in Guyana's ability to move forward and strengthen its electoral system and democratic governance," said Ramdin, who over the weekend concluded his fourth official trip to Guyana this year. "I urge everyone who is involved in the process to promote a constructive dialogue and refrain from inflammatory language and provocative actions," he added.

The OAS, which is observing the electoral process at the invitation of the government, has had a technical team in Guyana since May and will supplement the team with additional experts beginning next week. In the days just prior to the August 28 general and regional elections, the OAS Electoral Observation Mission expects to have some 60 international observers around the country.

During this latest visit, from August 2-5, Ramdin met with government leaders and electoral authorities, as well as representatives of political parties, local electoral observer groups, the private sector and the international community.

In remarks to the media in Georgetown, Guyana, the Assistant Secretary General noted that the country’s political leaders have a responsibility to citizens “to foster an environment that is conducive to the holding of peaceful elections in which every eligible Guyanese citizen may cast their vote in freedom and without fear of intimidation on election day.” Civil society organizations also have a role in contributing to voter education and to a climate conducive to elections, he added.

Ramdin also urged the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to keep the general public and political parties informed about polling stations, voting procedures and safeguard mechanisms in place for election day, among other issues. “Clear communication and a transparent process will serve to build confidence in the process and lend credibility to the elections,” he said.

The Assistant Secretary General stressed that citizens and political parties have an obligation and responsibility to accept and respect the outcome of the elections. “This is of paramount importance to safeguard governance and governability in a democracy,” he said.

Reference: E-170/06