|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Georgetown, Guyana (Credible Sources) The Alliance For Change (AFC) has sharply criticized the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for its inaction in addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding Dr. Asha Kissoon’s presence in the National Assembly. At a press conference held on December 17, the AFC described the situation as a blatant violation of the Constitution and warned of a looming parliamentary crisis if the issue remains unresolved.
Beverley Alert, the party’s Deputy General Secretary, opened the presser, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. Alert minced no words, stating: “The National Assembly will meet tomorrow, and we do not expect to see Dr. Kissoon occupying her former seat.” Party leader Nigel Hughes underscored that GECOM has already admitted to an error in certifying Kissoon and must act immediately to rectify the issue.
Hughes argued that GECOM’s lack of decisive action is unacceptable and noted that the burden of correction lies squarely on the electoral body. “GECOM has said they made a mistake,” he declared. “If they need guidance from the court, let them go to court. Why is this suddenly an issue for the Alliance For Change?”
The AFC leader further elaborated on GECOM’s procedural lapses, highlighting that the commission failed to follow its own rules, particularly regarding the required 22 signatories for certifying parliamentary representatives. Hughes lambasted GECOM’s response, describing it as akin to “burying your head in the middle of the hurricane and assuming it will blow over.”
The AFC maintained that Dr. Kissoon’s continued occupation of the parliamentary seat jeopardizes the validity of laws and motions passed. Hughes issued a stern warning, saying, “This is not of our making, and GECOM must correct this colossal error. The failure to act reflects poorly on Guyana’s democratic institutions.”
Alert urged “all right-thinking Guyanese” to join the AFC in demanding that GECOM address the issue promptly and uphold the rule of law. The AFC’s criticism comes at a time when confidence in the electoral process remains a sensitive matter, following previous controversies surrounding GECOM’s role in the country’s electoral landscape.
