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GECOM to make official declaration of results today

May 15, 2015 6:22 am Category: Politics A+ / A-

By Jomo Paul

www.inewsguyana.com]

With the preliminary results of the 2015 General and Regional Election showing a victory in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is expected to declare the official results of the election on Friday, May 15 – four days after elections.

This was confirmed by Chief Election Officer Keith Lowenfield who told reporters that should there be no more hiccups in the processing of the data the elections body would be ready to declare the results.

After coming under immense pressure from International Observers and the ABC countries, GECOMon Thursday afternoon released the preliminary and raw data that was taken off of the 2,299 Statements of Poll collected from across the country.

The data was released in the midst of widespread allegations of election irregularities on the part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic.

The data indicates that out of 410, 391 ballots cast, the PPP/C managed to acquire, 201,457 which is 5,360 votes short of the figure acquired by the APNU+AFC which is 206,817.

APNU+AFC attracted 201, 324 votes in the Regional polls, while the PPP/C got 198, 148 votes.

This raw data however may undergo changes as there are recounts currently being conducted at some polling stations in District 4.

GECOM officials however are confident that the outcome of those recounts will not alter the outcome of the elections – hence the APNU+AFC is slated to be Guyana’s next government.

The results effectively end a 23-year reign by the PPP/C which ascended to office in 1992 under the leadership of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan.

The David Arthur Granger led the APNU+AFC Coalition – an alliance of 6 opposition political Parties, expected a victory, having announced that they were in a commanding lead.

Sixty-nine-year old Granger has led the APNU+AFC campaign with promises of unifying Guyana and removing the racial divide that pervades society especially at election season.

The coalition has promised that within the first 100 days it would establish Public Procurement Commission, review taxation, increase salaries and work to reduce corruption in public office.

The other Parties that contested the elections include The United Force (TUF) which gained 880 votes, the United Republican Party, 338 votes, the National Independent Party, 561 votes, the Independent Party, 388 votes for the General elections.

For the Regional polls, the Healing the National Theocracy Party got 246 votes, The United Force 1,253, United Republican Party 1174.

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Roman Catholic Church calls on ‘losing Party’ to respect the will of the people

May 15, 2015 9:48 am Category: latest news A+ / A-

Roman Catholic Bishop, Francis Alleyne

Roman Catholic Bishop, Francis Alleyne

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Roman Catholic Church in Guyana has called on the losing Party to “concede defeat immediately upon the declaration of the 2015 election results by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM),”and for the winner to magnanimously accept, “so that as one people we can focus with resolve on the critical business of nation building.”

The preliminary results shows a victory in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition and GECOM is expected to declare the official results of the election today.

The data indicates that out of 410, 391 ballots cast, the PPP/C managed to acquire, 201,457 which is 5,360 votes short of the figure acquired by the APNU+AFC which is 206,817

Head of the Church in Guyana, Bishop Francis Alleyne in a media release noted that GECOM’s preliminary results “show a photo-finish, with APNU+AFC likely to be declared the winner.”

He is urging that “the declaration of the elections results be done quickly so that the voice and good will of the People is not taken for granted.”

He praised the electorate for their exemplary conduct in turning out, exercising their civil responsibility and waiting patiently as well as the various endorsements on the electoral process are a credit “to us all and deserve the greatest respect.”

Additionally, the Bishop noted that given the closeness of the results, as well as the divisiveness of the campaign, it is clear that much work lies ahead to build lasting reconciliation and trust.

“The well-known adage says ‘forgive and forget’. In reality we don’t forget but we can remember without the bitterness and pain: we can be healed and reconciled and trust again and must claim this.”

“I pray that as a people we encourage and support one another in broad-based inclusion in the governance and life of the nation.”

FM

Top Guyana Ambassador says it is “time to concede”

May 15, 2015 10:47 am Category: latest news A+ / A-

Guyana's Ambassador to Kuwait, Odeen Ishamel s

Guyana’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Odeen Ishamel s

[www.inewsguyana.com] – One of Guyana’s senior Ambassadors, Odeen Ishamel says that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) should concede victory to the APNU+AFC alliance which has won the May 11 2015 National polls.

Ishmael is currently Guyana’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Kuwait and concurrently (from 2013) as non-resident Ambassador to Qatar.

In political life, Ambassador Ishmael served in the Central Committee and the leadership of the Progressive Youth Organization from 1972 to 1982 and in the Central Committee of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) of from 1980 to 1988.

In a recent Facebook post, Ishmael said “it is my firm opinion that the PPP should concede since any recount will not statistically change the result of the elections as announced by GECOM.”

According to Ishmael by conceding victory, President Donald Ramotar will in no lesser ways demonstrate the unity that is needed to take Guyana forward.

“Good leadership is essential especially at this time; and by conceding and with the outgoing president meeting with the incoming president and offering working cooperation, at least that will be aptly demonstrated clearly to all Guyanese,” said Ishmael.

FM

PPP’s Clinton Urling congratulates winner of 2015 elections

May 15, 2015 10:19 am Category: latest news A+ / A-

By Jomo Paul

PPP Member, Clinton Urling

PPP Member, Clinton Urling

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Recently ordained People’s Progressive Party/Civic Member Clinton Urling has congratulated the victors of the 2015 General and Regional Elections, but said that it is not conceding victory to the APNU+AFC.

The results of the May 2015, General and Regional Election indicate a clear victory in favour of the APNU+AFC Coalition.

The data indicates that out of 410, 391 ballots cast, the PPP/C managed to acquire, 201,457 which is 5,360 votes short of the figure acquired by the APNU+AFC which is 206,817.

APNU+AFC attracted 201, 324 votes in the Regional polls, while the PPP/C got 198, 148 votes.

Urling in a Facebook post said “GECOM and the people have spoken… congrats to the victors…the PPP will remain a strong party in the years to come.”

When contacted and asked if his statement is indicative of an acceptance of an APNU+AFC victory, Urling made it clear that he was not conceding anything.

“There is no conceding of anything…I have said from the inception and GECOM has said it too await their results…all my action will be on whatever GECOM declared. I am going to go with what GECOM says…that statement was based on the preliminary results,” said the PPP/C candidate.

He pointed out that while his statement stands, there will be a difference of opinion should any incidents of fraud be uncovered.

“If the recount process proves that there were some incidents of fraud I’ll contend that, but if it doesn’t, my statement stands,” Urling told iNews.

GECOM has already said that any recounts will not alter the results of the election in such a significant way so as to change the winner.

FM

UK High Commissioner supports GECOM’s stance on “fake SOPs”

May 15, 2015 11:14 am Category: latest news A+ / A-

By Tracey Khan – Drakes

British High Commissioner, James Gregory Quinn. [iNews' Photo]

British High Commissioner, James Gregory Quinn. [iNews’ Photo]

[www.inewsguyana.com] – United Kingdom (UK) High Commissioner to Guyana, James Gregory Quinn has supported the Guyana Election Commission’s (GECOM) account that the fake statements of polls (SOPs) were not tabulated as part of the preliminary results released on Thursday, May 14.

 

The incumbent People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is alleging that there were hundreds of fake SOPs that were counted which led to the APNU+AFC winning the 2015 elections.

As such, the Party is maintaining that it will not concede defeat in the face of numerous calls by both local and international observers and diplomats for the Party to concede victory to the APNU+AFC coalition.

The British High Commissioner in a statement to iNews noted that “the fact that the Guyana Elections Commission itself found the so-called fake statements of polls and did not include them in the count is encouraging and should be seen in a positive light. This means that GECOM’s systems worked as they were designed to.”

But former President, Bharrat Jagdeo had said that the PPP/C is not giving up just yet, officially adding his voice to the Party’s decision not to concede defeat.

Jagdeo at a press conference on Thursday May 14 provided what he deemed “evidence” that indicates that the elections were rigged in favor of the APNU+AFC coalition.

The undeclared results of the election indicate that the APNU+AFC has managed to acquire 206, 817 votes while the PPP/C has acquired 201,457 votes, which means the coalition won by 5,360 votes.

The results effectively end a 23-year reign by the PPP/C which ascended to office in 1992 under the leadership of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

Several documents were provided by Jagdeo as “evidence”; he explained that they showed “glaring instances” where the figures on the statements of poll in the possession of the PPP/C counting agents do not correlate with the ones in the possession of GECOM.

Chairman of GECOM, Dr. Steve Surujbally said the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) was lauded for finding the anomalies and highlighting them, and therefore he will address and fix them.

He recalled that as the SOPs came in, the Commissioners we were able to pick up that they were fake ones. The SOPs were printed by a Canadian company with a number of security features.

GECOM meanwhile stressed that the fake SOPs were not counted. In addition the media was told that the number of fake SOPs was not of that great quantum so as to disturb the outcome of the election.

Dr Surujbally further questioned what would make a person do such a reprehensible thing, which he stressed will absolutely go nowhere. However, he also accepted that it might go “there where, by those who want to make an issue.”

The Chairman added that given the close race, he can understand the importance being given to the need for checks and balances. And for this he is asking that trust be placed in the CEO to fix the anomalies.

FM

U.S. Embassy dismisses PPP’s allegations of fake SOPs; says elections were free & fair

May 14, 2015 11:34 am Category: Politics A+ / A-

U.S Embassy, Georgetown, Guyana

U.S Embassy, Georgetown, Guyana

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The United States Embassy says it is in receipt of the recent allegations made by the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) that there were many fake Statements of Poll (SOPs) at the May 11 elections and has since looked into the claims.

The Embassy in a release noted that nothing contained therein changes its baseline assessment of the electoral process and maintains that the elections were free, fair & credible.

“Based on our observations of the polling, counting, and tabulation process and the conclusions reached by other international observer missions, we continue to assess that the election process was free and fair. We remain confident in the Guyana Elections Commission’s ability to deliver credible results that accurately reflect the way votes were cast by the Guyanese people on May 11,” the release noted.

The US Embassy is urging GECOM to continue with its important tabulation work and to provide verified results at the earliest possible opportunity.

“The United States Embassy understands the Guyanese people’s desire to see the final results of these elections. It is important, however, to provide the Guyana Elections Commission the time and space to conclude its work‎. We urge the people of Guyana to continue to exercise patience.”

The United States Embassy calls upon all political leaders to adhere to the Political Party ‎Code of Conduct, which specifically proscribes public criticism of the Guyana Elections Commission or interference with its work.

“We expect all parties to respect the final results of these elections,” the statement noted.

FM

Former minister Robert Persaud concedes defeat, calls for inclusive governance

May 15, 2015 | By | Filed Under News 

He was one of the main faces in the campaign of the 2011 General and Regional Elections for the People’s

Concedes: Robert Persaud

Concedes: Robert Persaud

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). Robert Persaud, 41, was appointed as the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, following those elections, commanding a powerful portfolio that included the mining and logging sectors and the emerging oil industry. But his absence during the recent campaign for what has been described as a critical time for his party was more than glaring. There were no speeches from him on the political platform. An outspoken official who grew up honing his skills at public relations, it appeared to many that one of the most prominent faces of the party that stayed in power for 23 years, was on his way out. His ministry was under fire for logging concessions granted to Chinese investors, as well as the handling of the mining sector. Yesterday, Persaud was among the first to concede that his party has lost Monday’s elections, although an official declaration is still to come from the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM). In a Facebook post, the former Minister said that the preliminary election results of 50.6%-49.4%, went in favor of the A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), confirm that an appropriate national inclusive governance mechanism must be brought to the front burner. “I was asked what best can come out of the May 11 elections: a victory where all are winners, notwithstanding the showing of each party, Guyanese, all Guyanese, (should) feel included in continuing to build a prosperous and cohesive society. It can be a grand, historical opportunity to change the paradigm, of how we govern and make everyone feel truly a part of the future as we march to 50 years of independence.” According to the final preliminary results of GECOM yesterday, PPP received 201,457 votes while the coalition managed to rack up 206,817, a difference of 5,360. According to GECOM, in total 342, 126 votes were counted from the ten administrative districts, one of the highest turnouts since 1992 when PPP/C first entered Government. Persaud’s party is refusing to accept the results, saying the elections were rigged by APNU+AFC, the coalition that won. The elections were deemed free and fair by almost 200 observers who participated in monitoring Monday’s process. The US and UK Governments have been especially harsh in calling on the PPP/C to accept the results.

FM

Private Sector urges PPP/C to accept election results

May 15, 2015 | By | Filed Under News 

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ramesh Persaud, has called on the Presidential Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Donald Ramotar, to accept the results of the 2015 election.

PSC Chairman, Ramesh Persaud

PSC Chairman, Ramesh Persaud

According to the results emanating from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the coalition, A Partnership for National Unity plus Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) is the victor by just over 5000 votes. The PSC Chairman told this newspaper yesterday that a meeting at Office of the President, was intended for Ramotar to update the body on the party’s concerns regarding the election results. While he did not expound on what those concerns were, he said that Ramotar was told to accept the results of the 2015 election. Asked what his response was, Persaud said, “He did not concede. He just said “okay, thank you.” Through a statement to the media, the Commission also said that it welcomes the release of the results and urged all parties to accept the results. It said that it has every reason to believe that the results reflect the will of the people of Guyana.  “We urge the leaders to move forward in a spirit of unity, trust and reconciliation as we continue to build our beloved Guyana,” it concluded.

FM

PPP/C concedes defeat, begin clearing out offices

May 14, 2015 | By | Filed Under News 

Officials of a number of Government agencies and Ministries seem to be packing up and leaving, ahead of the official announcement of the winner of Monday’s General and Regional elections.

Persons packing items and boxes into the SUV.

Persons packing items and boxes into the SUV.

Yesterday, amidst reports of movements of files and other official documents, Kaieteur News managed to determine that this was indeed the case. This was a clear indication that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic was conceding that it had lost the elections. At the Ministry of Labour, next door to the Guyana Fire Service headquarters in Stabroek Market area, two staffers were seen packing items into a dark colored Toyota SUV with license plate number PPP 4200. The secretive movements reportedly attracted the attention of members of the public and even staffers yesterday with photographs taken. At the Ministry of Housing, Brickdam, a black Toyota SUV, tinted and bearing PTT number plates, was reportedly seen fetching boxes and heading to an East Bank Demerara location. There were reportedly similar movements at several other ministries and key Government agencies. A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition has indicated that it will be examining a number of contracts and other transactions by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic. Yesterday, top official of the coalition, Joe Harmon, urged for Guyana to stay alert and report any suspicious activities. He said: “Government and officers are acting like bandits.” Meanwhile, Presidential Candidate, Brigadier (Ret’d) David Granger, said that indeed reports have been received of boxes and other items being moved. However, no complaints have been made. “We are aware that some movements are taking place and it is our view that the PPP is using this period to delay the declarations so that they can get on with whatever they were planning to do.” The 10th Parliament was suspended and fresh elections called in January after the PPP/C faced a major crisis in the National Assembly – a no-confidence vote. Monday’s elections were closely watched and the toughest for the incumbent (PPP/C) since gaining power in 1992. Yesterday, the coalition said in a statement, that it has received reliable reports that PPP Ministers and agents under their direction, are in the process of removing materials and documents from Government ministries around the city. “There are also reports of widespread shredding of documents in Ministries and government offices. APNU+AFC calls on the law enforcement agencies to protect all government property from these illegal acts of sabotage and vandalism.”

FM

Ok folks

 

The final announcements will be made today.

 

Let me put it bluntly, the PPP has lost the election. It might be difficult for you but that the way democracy works. ABC countries and the International observers have so far declared that the process was free and fair.

 

You must respect the will of the people and respect the results.

 

The Coalition ran a campaign of change and Guyanese have endorsed that change, you cannot deny them  change. The young, old and mixed population and Guyanese of all races want change and they have exercised their right to elect a government of change.

 

Let me say this, this is the chance to break the racial divide in Guyana. It will never happen again. Let us be a part part of this change.

 

Congrats in advance to President Granger and Prime Minister Moses. 

 

Brother Granger and Brother Moses will now lead our country and both major races are now represented. No need for fear.

 

As for the PPP, it is time to rebuild. 

 

As for APNU, we must give them another five years to fully implement their plans. They ran on accountability, transparency and racial equality. We must hold them to these promises. 

 

Many other promises were made and the people of Guyana will have to judge their government after five years.

 

Let us now set side our differences and be humble winners and losers, in the end the people of Guyana won today.

 

Yuji

FM
Last edited by Former Member

Congratulations to APNU/AFC, PPP/C must concede

May 15, 2015 | By | Filed Under Letters 

Dear Editor, Congratulations to APNU/AFC on winning the 2015 election. This marks a major turning point in the history of Guyana. The coalition has succeeded in demonstrating that it was possible to destroy the one historically powerful weapon of the PPP/C that has been at the core of its very existence –  the ability to win general elections. Coupled with this dramatic change in the direction of Guyanese politics are two telling images that signify the changing times – one, a picture captured in one of the dailies purportedly showing PPP ministerial workers clearing out their offices, and two, a statement by an APNU/AFC supporter in Bartica to the effect that the coalition, not the PPP, represents the true vision of Dr. Cheddi Jagan. The PPP needs to concede it lost the general election so the incoming victors, David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo, can get on with the business of governing the nation. The fact that a party in government can now accuse the opposition of electoral fraud and then demand a recount makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. It is expected that the coalition will govern effectively in the interest of all citizens and honor its promises of accountability, transparency and racial equality. The PPP/C, on the other hand, will not remain the same political entity. The party will have to fall in line with the new political culture that will accompany the change. The PPP/C, if it is ever going to reemerge as a serious political entity in the future, will have to embark on meaningful ideological, organizational and leadership transformations. Politics in a future Guyana is linked to a familiar landscape – coalition politics is back in style. Baytoram Ramharack

FM

More organizations urge for PPP/C to accept defeat

May 15, 2015 2:03 pm Category: latest news A+ / A-

 

 

Donald Ramotar during his press conference on Thursday, May 14. [iNews' Photo]

Donald Ramotar during his press conference on Thursday, May 14. [iNews’ Photo]

[www.inewsguyana.com]
 
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) says it is deeply concerned by the, “apparent refusal of the one of the main political parties to accept the results of the 2015 elections” noting that the observer missions, both local and international, have deemed the elections to be free and fair.

 

“GECOM, sometimes to the agitation of sections of the population, also went to great pains to ensure that all the results published were accurate and beyond question,” a statement from the GCCI noted.

The release added that the uncertainty created by, “this state of affairs has caused business, productivity and the entire country to grind to a halt.  As a nation we cannot continue to suffer because of the machinations of parts of our political establishment.”

It has urged that all parties accept the results of the elections. “There is a legal recourse available for all those who are dissatisfied with any part of the electoral process.”

Meanwhile, the Guyana Bar Association, the Association of Women’s Lawyers and the Justice Institute of Guyana has also issued a call for President Donald Ramotar and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) to accept immediately the results of the elections held on May 11 and concede electoral; victory to the APNU+AFC coalition.

“Article 9 of our constitution states that sovereignty belongs to the people who exercise it through their representatives and the democratic organs established by or under the constitution,” a release stated.

It added that it is fundamental to democracy that the people are able to vote and replace elected representatives in periodic free and fair elections.

Brigadier David Granger

Brigadier David Granger

 “Our four organizations accept the conclusion of the various official observers that these elections were free and fair and reflect the will of the people…contrary to democracy to continue to delay the swearing in of Brigadier David Granger as President and handover of executive government to the APNU+AFC coalition,” the statement added.

“We are proud that the people of Guyana have shown great patience and restraint during this week. We look forward to a new Parliament based on respect for the rule of law and respect for the inherent dignity of each and every citizen of Guyana.”

They have also issued a call for citizens to continue to, “go about their business peacefully with dignity and respect for one another.”

FM

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