Dear Editor,

The recent Chilean constitutional victory is an inspiration to the struggle in countries where democracies are being undermined by dictatorships and other forms of oppressive rule.

In Guyana, it should step up the demand for constitutional and electoral reforms that would significantly change the Guyanese political landscape and hope of a better life for all Guyanese, once the reform includes abolishing the autocratic powers of the Executive President to immunity from prosecution and his control of the electoral machinery.

The Elections Commission should be independent and not include members of parties contesting the General Elections. These are all conditions that need to be set in place for the 2025 General Elections if it is to be considered free and fair.

Right now the Constitutional and Electoral Systems are flawed since the manner in which the 1980 Constitution was formed without the participation or consultation with the then opposition parties and civil society but as a result of the notoriously rigged Referendum of July 10th, 1978 and unilaterally a creation of the People’s National Congress (PNC).

Unlike Chile, the Constitutional and Electoral Reform is not a National Agenda, the major players are the PPP and the PNC. The whole concept of a third force died in the aftermath of the March 2nd, 2020 General Elections when the small parties became appendages of the ruling PPP.

Though the ABC+E countries are calling on the PPP Government to be inclusive in its management of the affairs of the country the PPP has chosen its key players and will not accommodate this even at a community level where the CDC members e.g. The East Ruimveldt CDC are all party loyalists. Whereas inclusivity and national reconciliation is rooted in community-based activity, this is already aborted, so we are really screwed.

Unfortunately, Guyanese who could contribute to making Guyana a better place for all and for future generations are sidelined and denied economic sustenance. Having no choice, more Guyanese professionals and their families will be forced into migrating, it is not a choice but an ultimatum.

Yours faithfully,

Desmond Alli