GUYANA-ELECTIONS-President Granger urges voters to exercise their franchise, confident of victory

SOURCE- CMC-  President David Granger Monday urged voters to exercise their franchise and participate in the democratic process of electing a new government for Guyana even as he expressed confidence that his coalition administration will be returned to office.

“Granger, accompanied by his wife, Sandra, were among persons voting early in the general election in which Granger’s A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is facing eight other political parties for control of the 65-member National Assembly.

But political observers say the contest will be between his APNU and the main opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) as it had been in 2015 when the APNU squeezed home by a slender one-seat majority.

The PPP/C has nominated former housing minister Ifraan Ali to challenge Granger for the head of state position in the country.

“The voting was without incident,” Granger told reporters after casting his ballot, adding “everything went smoothly, the ballot paper had the correct names of the parties and I expect we will have a smooth and successful process”.

President David Granger ( wearing green shirt) prepares to cast his ballot. (News Room- Photo)

He urged Guyanese to go out and vote, saying “first of all, this is not only a democratic right, but a democratic duty of all citizens to participate in this process and I would urge persons who might be a bit tardy to re-think the prospect of ensuring that they get a government of their choice in Guyana.

“So I hope people don’t stay away regardless of their political persuasion. They should come out and express their opinion in favour of the party of their choice. I am very confident that the party, the coalition, which I lead will be successful and I am confident also of the process which has been put in place by the Elections Commission…will be efficient”.

Guyanese vote for a new government. (Newsroom Photo)

The polls are being monitored by local, regional and international observer teams and Granger said: “Guyana today will demonstrate that it is a democratic country and it is capable of conducting elections efficiently and credibly in accordance with the laws and the Constitution”.

Granger, who said he plans to spend Monday to visit various polling stations as well as “awaiting the results in the bosom of the party” dismissed suggestions that the election was important given the country’s new found oil and gas wealth.

Guyanese vote for a new government. ( Newsroom Photo)

“The elections constitute a democratic process and they have nothing to do with the economic prospects. We are demonstrating today that we are part of the democratic tradition of the English-speaking Caribbean,” he said, adding “my coalition is totally committed to the democratic process and that’s what we are observing today.

“Whether it is oil or sugar or rice all these economic issues have no bearing on the democratic process. I am confident that the Caribbean is looking to Guyana as a beacon of economic development, but it will also be a beacon for democratic rectitude and that’s my concern,” Granger told reporters.

CMC