New Delhi, August 5, 2020 – The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) said today that upholding of the Constitutional process helped Guyana in its political transition, ending a long dispute over the result of the general elections.
“A key factor was the upholding of the constitutional process,” said Sanjoy Hazarika, CHRI ‘s International Director. “CHRI calls on all parties to abide by the Commonwealth principles of human rights, tolerance, respect and understanding, freedom of expression and rule of law.”
Forty-year old Irfaan Ali of the People’s Progressive Party was sworn in as the ninth President of Guyana last week – five months after the polls closed on March 2. The results were declared after a full recount following weeks of wrangling and allegations of vote tampering.
CHRI emphasised the patience of the Guyanese who trusted their electoral and justice system despite the controversies and delays. The election came at a time when the economy of Guyana, till now a poor country, may be transformed by one of the world’s biggest oil discoveries off its coast.
Noting that the Commonwealth Secretariat had reminded Guyana about “fundamental principles treasured by the Commonwealth family”, CHRI supported the role of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which had earlier intervened in efforts to resolve the issue.
For further information, contact:
Aditya Sharma
Media and Advocacy Officer
aditya@humanrightsintiative.org