Bishop Francis Alleyne of the Roman Catholic Church has joined the long list of persons calling on the People’s Progressive Party to immediately concede the elections.

“I call on all to exercise moderation, for the losing party to concede immediately upon the declaration and the winner to magnanimously accept, so that as one people we can focus with resolve on the critical business of nation building”, Bishop Alleyne said in a statement. .

He said the “exemplary conduct of the people in turning out, exercising their civil responsibility and waiting patiently as well as the various endorsements on the electoral process” are a credit to all Guyana and that deserves the greatest respect.

According to the Bishop, the declaration of the results should be done quickly so that the voice and goodwill of the people is not taken for granted.

He added 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”

Bishop Alleyne said Guyana’s faith traditions teach us that “the person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society – in economics and politics, in law and policy – directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community”.

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

President Donald Ramotar has indicated that he is not ready to concede that he lost the elections.