The Canadian Government is confident that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will deliver free and fair elections come May 11.
This is according to Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles who was at the time addressing a gathering at the Easter Concert of the Clemsville Music Ensemble which was held in the Chancery of the High Commission of Canada on Tuesday evening.
Noting that during an election period emotions can easily supersede mutual respect, the High Commissioner said Canada is eagerly looking forward to seeing Guyana continue on its development path as she linked fair elections to development.
“Canada remains committed to the Americas and is working with its partners, including Guyana, to increase economic opportunity, strengthen security and institutions, and foster lasting relationships. Our partnerships in Guyana are based on a shared vision of a prosperous, secure and democratic Guyana where diversity, including in the arts, is celebrated,” Dr Giles said.
She noted that music and democracy share similar traits as both require a structure, rhythm, teamwork, a conductor to provide leadership, and mutual respect for other players while stating that if any of these traits are ignored, the music ceases to be beautiful and democracy cannot thrive.
“This evening we have both of these elements at play. As Guyana prepares for elections, its democracy is working within a structure, developing a rhythm, building teams, selecting leaders, and building mutual respect. From the structural perspective, Canada has confidence in the Guyana Elections Commission ability to deliver free and fair elections,” the Canadian High Commissioner added.
The diplomat assured that her country and embassy will continue to work with all partners – the Government, all political parties, the private sector and civil society – to support free, fair and peaceful elections.
In closing she told the gathering that it was her hope that the spirit of Easter and the renewal that the season represents will help to guide Guyana through the upcoming electoral period. “I hope that it will guide Guyana in renewing dialogue, focusing on issues that can bring Guyana together, and identifying policy solutions that advance Guyana’s prosperity, security and democracy.”
Source: Guyana Times March 27, 2015
