Government praised by US for respecting civil liberties
While the United States Human Rights report for last year lashed out against certain institutions in Guyana, the Government was praised for its respect for civil liberties including freedom of expression and freedom of the press. The report stated that the Constitution of Guyana provided for freedom of speech and of the press and the Government respects those rights in practice. "Citizens openly criticise the Government and its policies," the report said. Pointing to the fact that the Constitution provides for freedom of assembly and that government respects that right, the report stated that political parties and other groups held public meetings and rallies throughout the country without hindrance. With regards to respect for political rights, that is, the right to change their government, the report stated that Guyanese enjoyed this right and exercised it in "free, fair and non-violent elections" held on December 15, 1997. "In addition to choosing a president, voters elected a new parliament, in which four political parties were represented...As was in the case during the national elections in 1992, local and foreign independent observers judged the elections to be free and fair," the report said. It stated that there were no legal impediments to participation of women "or minorities" in the political process "they are underrepresented in government and politics...As a result of the December elections, for the first time the president is a woman". According to the report, the "most active" local human rights group, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), functioned without government's interference. "Members of the Government openly discussed human rights issues and made public statements in response to foreign and local human rights reports. The authorities did not interfere with the activities of human rights groups," the report said. The US State Department report also pointed out that the Government respected people's right to freedom of religion and that members of all faiths were allowed to worship freely and that there were no restrictions on foreign religious practices. 
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