Elections increasingly have been generating controversies the world over, and in many instances have unfortunately led to bloodshed and massacres.

Guyana has had troubles at election time since the watershed October 5, 1992 polls and again there were efforts at derailing the process after the election a year ago today.

But the professionalism of the Guyana Elections Commission staff and members of the security forces, who stood resolute on seeing the election through, ensured the preservation of the democratic process.

However, for a while, evil forces in the society continued to attempt disunity and destruction and at one stage, patriotic and peace-loving Guyanese were wondering whether the country would have been torn apart.

In the end, the political will and maturity of the political and civil leaders endured, resulting in a return to civility and peace, much to the relief of all Guyanese.

Opposition Leader, Mr. Desmond Hoyte demonstrated political maturity and officially recognised the Government despite his misgivings of some aspects of the election.

Since then the political dialogue process President Bharrat Jagdeo commenced with Mr. Hoyte, has continued with the two leaders regularly sitting down to discuss various issues of concern to the society.

Unfortunately, signals in recent days from Mr. Hoyte and his main Opposition People's National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R) have been worrisome.

Guyanese are hoping that like in the past, whatever differences may exist will be amicably resolved through discussions, with the interests of Guyana being on the front burner, and partisan interests taking the back seat.

The formulation of the National Development Strategy has also been a positive development since March 19, 2001 as has been the cooperation among persons from different political persuasions and the wider sections of civil society.

The establishment of a permanent Elections Commission has been another step in the further entrenchment of the democratic process and improvement of the electoral system which have come a long way since the days of systematic rigged elections.

Cooperation among the political parties to make necessary constitutional amendments towards ensuring a more professional and impartial Elections Commission and election system has been heartening.

Guyanese of all persuasions should commit themselves towards ensuring that past electoral errors and mistakes are not repeated, and work conscientiously towards ensuring and preserving the integrity of the ballot.

Failure to do so can have dire consequences for the future of this beautiful country.

At this time it is pertinent to reflect on the words of the revered National Poet, Martin Carter, "All are involved, all are consumed."

There is no constructive alternative to the integrity of the ballot and all Guyanese of goodwill should pledge to ensure that Guyana stays firmly on the democratic course.