Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes today said Guyana could remain in a state of “perpetual crisis” if the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the country’s legislators do not move to address the issues plaguing the electoral system, including the “lack of a credible voters’ list”. 

The Opposition -APNU and AFC- has been pushing for a new voters’ list, electronic voting, and the use of biometrics at the place of poll for the next elections.

At a press conference today, Mr. Hughes said it is important to address the issues for there to be free, fair and credible elections. He said he fears that if left unresolved, the country could be faced with another crisis when elections are held in 2025.    

“And if we as a country cannot arrive at a position where our institutions can deliver results which are broadly accepted, we are in a difficult place. Because, if we can’t even manage the process by which we identify those who would govern us for the next cycle then it means that we are always going to be in a state of perpetual crisis. And worse than that, if we continue to have results that are not accepted across the board we will create, unfortunately, the incentives for substantial parts of this country to disrupt the good governance of the country over the cycle of election. They will have no trust, no confidence, and therefore their conduct may well be incentivized towards other acts of disruption,” the AFC Leader warned. 

He added that the issues raised by the AFC are not new, pointing out that while in opposition, the PPP/C, through its General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, also lobbied for the National Register of Registrants Data (NRRD) to be revamped. 

“Now, I would have thought, as we now have the wealth that we have, and we are aspiring to become a modern democratic society that the least we could do, is since the General Secretary said so 15 years ago and we are saying so now, we want enhanced biometrics, we want a new list, we want a fair system of hiring, then let us get together and identify the process, since all of us have made this allegation at some stage, that would give us, enhanced biometrics, a fair system and that will give us a voting list that is acceptable to all parties,” Hughes said. 

Mr. Hughes also called on the international community to take note of the issues facing the electoral system and the calls for the issues to be addressed.

“The alternative is very clear, if we go into an election which there are grave doubts about the list, great doubts about the verification of the voters, we are laying the foundation for difficulties after the elections. And I say to our internation friends, the Americans, the British, the Canadians, the Europeans, the Caribbean states and everybody else, that you issued a report after the 2020 disaster, in which you said there should be a new list. We are saying here, whether you listen to us today or whether you listen to the current General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, on the recording we need a credible election,” Hughes said. 

Meanwhile, Executive Member of the AFC and Opposition Member of Parliament, Beverly Alert said Mr. Jagdeo, as Vice President, should remain true to his word, and advise the PPP/C nominated Election Commissioners to support the proposed changes. 

“We challenge the PPP, if they believe that they can win in free and fair elections, implement those things that the VP argued for. One, a new voters list, enhanced biometrics, and electronic voting. And, let us head to the polls in 2025, let the PPP back up their words with actions. No more hiding behind present electoral laws. Let us amend legislation that may be needed,” MP Alert said. 

She said the AFC, at the level of the National Assembly, will support funding for GECOM to implement the use of biometrics at the place of poll and electronic voting. 

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