PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar says the peaceful outcome of the August 28 general elections is proof that democracy is becoming stronger and more mature in Guyana.
At a yearend press briefing yesterday at Freedom House, Ramotar said the successful elections were the most important achievement of the year, and he noted that the peaceful process was unlike others in the past. He said the people were determined and said no to violence. "It was clear that our people wanted peace and their clear indication of this was the most important factor that prevented violence."
Ramotar also gave credit to the work of many local and international bodies, which he said played a very important role and created good conditions for peaceful and transparent polls. Additionally, he recognised the work of the Guyana Elections Commission and said that credit must also go to the Rudolph Collins, Edward Hopkinson, Doodnauth Singh and Joe Singh commissions.
He pointed out that the elections have created a situation conducive for political parties and other organisations to work together for the benefit of the people. He said the PPP/C would continue to look for areas to cooperate with other groups, including political parties. "We strongly believe that discussions and dialogue are the methods that should be used to resolve the differences and to promote development," he said.
Ramotar added that the party would like to see local government polls held in the coming year. "It is our view that local government elections can be held during the course of the next year," he said.
Local government elections have not been held since 1994. He described them as "most important" to the renewal of local democracy and as being "necessary" in strengthening and consolidating democracy in general. He added that much work has been done to improve the local government system and he hoped that these efforts would conclude early so that the attendant legislation can be enacted in order to allow for the holding of the polls.
Ramotar also touched on the country's security situation, saying that a lot has changed since the murder of Minister of Agriculture Satyadeow Sawh in April this year. Sawh, three family members and a security guard were murdered by gunmen who invaded the minister's residence on April 22. Ramotar however said since then the security forces have been working hard to curb crimes and to bring criminals to justice. "Without underestimating the problem," he said, "I wish to say that the security forces have made great gains in crime fighting and have effectively reduced the incidence of serious crimes."