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Georgetown, Guyana — The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has called on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to implement sweeping reforms, including biometric voting and a clean voter list, to safeguard the integrity of the country’s upcoming elections. Dr. David Hinds, speaking at the party’s November 18 press conference, criticized the government’s resistance to these measures, raising concerns about the ruling party’s commitment to fair elections.
WPA Pushes for Electoral Overhaul
Dr. Hinds highlighted the WPA’s belief that more robust measures are needed to ensure credible elections. He pointed to the importance of biometric technology and voter list reforms to eliminate fraud. “We repeat, WPA continues to believe that more, not less, should be done to ensure this outcome,” he said, emphasizing that these changes would reduce opportunities for malpractice.
The WPA voiced disappointment over the PPP’s insistence on retaining the existing system, which Hinds claimed has been deemed inadequate even by foreign observers. “The WPA is dismayed at the PPP’s insistence on retaining the status quo,” he added, signaling the party’s concern about transparency.
Historical Precedents and Current Resistance
Drawing on historical parallels, Dr. Hinds recalled the PPP’s support for a delay in the 1990 elections to facilitate reforms. He argued that similar accommodations should be made now to ensure a trustworthy system for the upcoming polls.
“WPA prefers to have the government remain in place for a few months to ensure that it does not steal five years,” Hinds stated. He dismissed accusations that the opposition’s call for reforms aims to trap the PPP, instead framing it as a call for transparency and fairness.
This rejection of reform measures, he argued, exposes a reluctance to embrace safeguards that could bolster confidence in the electoral process. “Why is the PPP afraid of more electoral safeguards? Why is that party fighting so hard to minimize those safeguards?” Dr. Hinds asked, suggesting that the resistance hints at ulterior motives.
Fraud Allegations and Safeguard Proposals
The WPA’s press conference included strong condemnation of potential election rigging through a “fragile and porous” system. Dr. Hinds stressed that the party would not accept electoral fraud “before, during, or after election day.” He added that the use of biometric systems during registration and voting could significantly reduce such risks.
The WPA reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for reforms, vowing to use “every avenue available” to push for credible elections. The party insisted that a revised voter list and stricter identification protocols are essential steps toward fair governance.
