The Alliance For Change (AFC) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as a growing pattern of intimidation by agents of the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) ahead of the upcoming General and Regional Elections later this year.
The party is accusing the PPP of undermining citizens’ constitutional rights, particularly their right to peaceful assembly, and points to the recent treatment of businessman Azruddin Mohamed as a prime example of this troubling trend.
In a strongly worded press statement, the AFC expressed grave concern over the actions of PPP activists, who, the party claims, have been disrupting peaceful protests and public gatherings.
The AFC emphasised that the Constitution of Guyana guarantees the right to assembly, and it is an offence to prevent individuals from exercising this fundamental right.
“The fact that there has been no condemnation or rebuke of such behavior by the leaders of the PPP is a clear indication that these subversive actions are not only sanctioned by the hierarchy of the PPP, but are organized and carried out at their bidding and with their full approval,” the statement reads.
The AFC’s statement comes in the wake of recent incidents surrounding Mohamed’s nationwide walkabout where he has had to contend the intimidation tactics from People’s Progressive Party (PPP) supporters.
Mohamed, who is conducting a listening tour that some speculate could be a prelude to a presidential run, has been met with organized protests, disruptions, and threats during his visits, particularly in Berbice.
The AFC had argued that “disrupting peaceful assembly and general rowdy behaviour by PPP activists does not harbour well for the upcoming elections climate.”
According to the party, such increasing manifestation uses intimidation ahead of the elections.
The AFC expressed concern that these actions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader effort to stifle opposition voices and discourage those, particularly PPP supporters, who may be dissatisfied with the current government’s performance.
The party also highlighted the failure of the police to intervene during these incidents, noting the absence of law enforcement officers when citizens’ rights were being violated. The AFC has called on Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, to ensure that all police divisions uphold their responsibility to protect citizens’ rights.
“Failure to do so is to fail to protect the rights of citizens whom the Police are obligated [to] and sworn to Protect and Serve,” the AFC statement concluded.
With the General and Regional elections drawing closer, tensions continue to rise. The AFC’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the need for a free and fair electoral process. With both political and civil society groups closely monitoring developments, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the elections remain transparent and truly representative of the people’s will.