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Georgetown, Guyana — The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has accused the government of using its $100,000 cash grant initiative as a tool for coercion, raising concerns about possible electoral manipulation. In a statement issued on November 20, 2024, the WPA welcomed the cash distribution but alleged that recipients are being forced to provide sensitive personal information under threat of losing access to the grant.
According to the WPA, public servants reported being asked to have their identification cards photographed and disclose where they voted in the last election. Those who resisted were allegedly warned they would not receive the handout. “The government has repeatedly said that the only requirement for receiving the handout is the presentation of a valid identification card or passport,” the WPA said, questioning why additional demands have surfaced.
The WPA posed pointed questions about these practices: “Why does the government want copies of ID cards? What does information about where someone voted at the last election have to do with receiving a cash handout?” The party suggested that the initiative may be targeting voters rather than citizens and accused the ruling party of ulterior motives.
“At a time when opposition parties are trying to get GECOM to address the issue of voter impersonation,” the WPA said, “the government’s forced acquisition of people’s ID cards is an ominous sign. Something sinister is afoot.” The party linked the actions to ongoing resistance by the government against voter reform efforts, claiming they could be part of a long-term strategy to influence the outcome of future elections.
The WPA’s condemnation extended to calling the reported actions “bullying” and urged Guyanese citizens not to comply. “We call on the government to explain why it is using the cash handout to coerce citizens into turning over their information,” the statement read.
In a strong appeal to oversight bodies, the WPA called on GECOM, local stakeholders, and the international community to intervene and investigate. The party warned that failure to address these concerns could lead to further mistrust in the lead-up to national elections.
