#BTEditorial – The Guyana Question needs to be answered. Now.

The tension, uncertainty and chaos now building in sister CARICOM member state Guyana is as disturbing as it is unacceptable.

Five days after the Guyanese people exercised their democratic right to elect a government of their choice the election results are still anyone’s guess.

And the ramifications are frightening if one reflects on Guyana’s grim political past, which retarded the development and progress of the resource-rich country for decades.

Much is at stake in this election.

First off, it comes on the back of more than 12 months of political wrangling that went all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice after the David Granger-led APNU + AFC coalition collapsed when former Government MP Charrandas Persaud voted with the Opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic in a no-confidence motion.

That prompted expectations of an early general election but President Granger maintained a firm grip on the reins of power in an environment of discontent that brought us to the March 2 general election.

During Monday’s vote, the strong turnout should have been an indication to the key players involved that Guyanese were anxious to get on with their future.

Beyond the usual voting hiccups of long lines, some voters not finding their names on the list and the like, the process, as reported by international observer missions—CARICthe European Union, the Commonwealth Observer Group, the Carter Center, and the Organization of American States, was smooth.

But a day later, with the results of the nine regions declared signalling a potential change in government, the process descended into pandemonium when it was time to verify the results of Region Four – Demerara- Mahaica – the country’s largest voting bloc.

The returning officer declared results before the legally required tabulation process was completed.

The Opposition PPPC has since secured High Court orders compelling GECOM to verify the results, even as the observer groups and resident diplomats from the UK, US, Europe and Canada warned that the vote tabulation process lacked credibility and transparency until the results from Region Four are legally verified.

Now the world is watching.

The spectre of a tainted, irregular election is the last thing Guyana needs at a time when it on course to join the world’s richest countries with its unprecedented oil resources.

Any indication that Guyana cannot handle its internal affairs according to the rule of law sends the wrong message.

The Guyana Constitution makes clear provisions for citizens to have a voice in how their affairs are to be managed.

Elections keep a democratic country functioning as they give the people the right to select their own government. They can either set back or advance long-term development; hence, we must protect the integrity of elections particularly in this Caribbean region.

That is democracy and this is our tradition in the Caribbean. It is that which we treasure and have fought for and, in some cases, died for.

Guyanese played their part by freely casting their ballots on Monday. The authorities now have the responsibility to ensure their will is delivered.

President Granger must act in the interest of his people first, party and power aside to ensure that democracy prevails.

With all the observer groups declaring that Region Four results are not credible, he must stand on the side of right and allow the verification process to be completed.

Equally, the PPPC, which has already taken to the law courts must also do right by allowing the correct process to proceed while ensuring that anxious supporters remain calm.

We endorse the calls by noted political scientist Peter Wickham for CARICOM Chairman Prime Minister Mia Mottley to speak out and reinforce the community’s expectation for a fair and transparent process and the lawful transition of power in keeping with the people’s will.

And we are unequivocal that the Guyanese authorities must do everything in their power to prevent the country’s descent into anarchy. This would not only put Guyanese lives and livelihoods at incredible risk but cause serious harm to the region’s hard-fought reputation for democratic governance and the rule of law.