We are encouraged by the Attorney General (AG)’s comments in an interview (Kaieteur Radio, January 9, 2021), in which he said that a small unit has been tasked with compiling requisite pieces of legislation to be reviewed in consultation with relevant stakeholders who will work together to correct the loopholes. We, however, have two major concerns with the information shared:

The AG seems focused on fixing loopholes associated with the 2020 election. While improved legislation could address some administrational concerns with GECOM (electoral lists, polling day procedures, tabulating the votes and reporting the results), our position is that, what the AG identified as an electoral reform process, does not go far enough, there are number of other long-standing problems with the electoral system which have been articulated and repeated by citizens, observers, both local and international. Such systemic weaknesses which have gone unaddressed for too long and are at the very root of the 2020 electoral crisis.

The AG has a small unit tasked with compiling requisite pieces of legislation to be reviewed. While we acknowledge the need for legislative reform we are concerned by the process to determine which legislation will be selected for review. Given our highly politicized climate, this is only going to be seen as a tainted process. Our position is that all stakeholders should be involved from the inception of a reform process. They should collectively identify the requisite pieces of legislation and any other rules, regulations, or standing orders to determine that which is to be reviewed in consultation.

The Electoral Reform Group (ERG) stands willing to participate, along with the other stakeholders, and lend support to the electoral reform process. We encourage the AG’s continued embrace of democratic principles and efforts to transcend partisan boundaries. Guyana must benefit from an electoral system and processes which place citizens at its heart.

Sincerely,

Alfred Bhulai

Devta Ramroop

Desmond Thomas

Heetasmin Singh

Kerry Anne Cort-Kansinally

Lawrence Lachmansingh

Rene Edwards

Rory Fraser

Sara Bharrat

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All stakeholders should be involved from inception of electoral reform process