The Opposition staged another protest outside the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) headquarters last week, demanding a clean voters’ list and the implementation of biometrics for the upcoming elections. This call for electoral transparency has resonated widely across the society but continues to be ignored by GECOM.
The protest comes amid growing concerns over the integrity of the voters’ list, with the Opposition accusing the PPP regime of deliberately preventing necessary reforms that could ensure free and fair elections. Despite mounting public pressure, GECOM has yet to respond to the demands for these critical changes, deepening the sense of unease and mistrust ahead of the next general elections.
The People’s National Congress Islahat (PNCR) has sharply criticised the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for what it calls increasing desperation in the face of likely electoral defeat. The PNCR claims that the PPP’s refusal to ensure a clean voters’ list and implement biometric voting systems highlights the party’s fear of losing power in a free, fair, and credible election.
In a press statement, the PNCR alleges that the PPP’s actions are a clear sign of the government’s disregard for citizens’ constitutional rights and freedoms. The opposition party points to increasing attempts at intimidating opposition figures and using state agencies like the Police Force and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for politically motivated actions.
The PNC did not explicitly reference the incidents it was referring to. However, embattled businessman Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, have become targets of the PPP due to allegations of tax evasion related to the importation of luxury vehicles.
Azruddin’s nationwide meetings have stirred frustration within the PPP, leading to protests from party supporters, leaders, and even government-paid 10-day workers. These workers were reportedly mobilized to protest Azruddin during his recent visit to Berbice.
The party accused the PPP’s government of using state resources to intimidate opposition members, noting that these “actions are fostering social unease and political instability in the country.” The party calls on the people of Guyana to raise their voices in opposition to these actions, which it says threaten both political stability and human rights.
The PNCR also decries what it sees as the PPP’s tendency to act above the law, claiming that the government no longer answers to the people but is instead entrenched in self-interest. “Guyanese deserve a government that respects their rights, freedoms, and dignities,” the opposition party stated.
As the country braces for elections, the PNCR asserts its commitment to defending the interests of citizens, promising to continue its fight against political intimidation and victimisation. Guyanese must “unite to stop political intimidation and victimization and condemn PPP political violence,” the statement concludes.
The growing tensions signal that the upcoming elections could be a pivotal moment for Guyana, with the PNCR urging the public to remain vigilant as they wait for what they hope will lose the next elections.