Police should not participate in the election process on polling day.
– Elections CoI report recommends
According to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report into the March 2020 elections, which was recently released, there should be some restrictions on police officers publicly expressing their political opinions during elections.
More importantly, “they should play no part in the election process on polling day” unless authorised by the commissioner of police.
The report addressed the roles that various Guyana Police Force (GPF) ranks, specifically the Tactical Service Unit (TSU) played in the attempts to derail the elections and hoped that the proposals made would be addressed as a matter of urgency.
The inquiry found that police ranks blocked party officials from visiting the Command Centre for District Four (Ashmins Building) and claimed they were following orders.
The commission was officially established in September of last year by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and given the responsibility, among other things, to look into and report on attempts to undermine and frustrate the legally required procedure for the counting, ascertaining, and tabulation of votes in the March 2nd, 2020, General and Regional Elections.
The commission’s hearings started on November 3, 2022, and concluded on February 10, 2023. The commission received testimony from about 39 people.
Thirteen of those who were called exercised their right to remain silent and refused to give the commission any evidence.
The report, which was presented to President Ali on Wednesday, details the “shockingly brazen attempts” made by the former Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, the former Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO) Roxanne Myers, and the former Returning Officer (RO) for District Four Clairmont Mingo “to derail and corrupt the statutorily prescribed procedure for the counting, ascertaining and tabulation of votes of the March 2nd election, as well as the true declaration of the results of that election.”
According to the report, they did so to “steal the election.”
If efforts have not already been taken in that direction, “We hope that the recommendations made will serve to address aspects of the functions of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the senior officers attached thereto.”
The report further stated, “We also hope that what this report reveals might contribute to the process of restoring confidence to the people of Guyana in their election officials and their electoral system so that, going forward, they can be assured that the regional and general elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.”
The report recommends amending the laws to allow for transparent and accountable political campaign financing, among other steps to rebuild trust and strengthen Guyana’s electoral system.
“Accordingly, there is a lack of transparency and accountability regarding political parties and campaign financing. Political parties have historically raised funds without any limitations regarding the source or amount of donation, and with very little obligation to disclose election expenses.”
The report added: “There is a strong need for such legislation as there is a perception that persons and/or corporations who give large donations stand to gain political favours.”
Further recommendations include that legislation be enacted to facilitate persons with limited mobility not having to climb stairs to vote; visually impaired persons to vote using ballots prepared in Braille; hearing impaired persons to be given the required assistance by a qualified Sign Language translator.
