Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon today said that President Donald Ramotar’s recent accusations that APNU and AFC manipulated the results of the 2011 general elections are justifiable.

Ramotar was quoted in the Guyana Chronicle’s Sunday edition as saying “For sure, I think we had over 50%. I think we lost some votes, no doubt, but I don’t think we lost enough to bring us under 50%, but the results were through manipulation when asked whether the PPP/C was robbed.

He later said that “My own realistic assessment was that we had probably between 52 [and] 53”, while also indicating that his party withdrew requests for partial recounts to avert any outbreak of violence.

“The external observers have pronounced and it is our contention if not withstanding what they have said that there is indeed justification for the comments made by the president. You might know that the PPP was the only contending party in the elections that lodged an objection or objections within the stipulated time frame. You might know also that after discussions the PPP withdrew those objections, primarily in Regions Three and Four”, Luncheon said in response to questions from this newspaper during a post-Cabinet press briefing.

Luncheon did not respond to a question on if it is the party’s position the elections were rigged but did address a question on the legitimacy of his government and the basis for the accusation.

“I don’t believe that the statement in any way could be construed to be a reflection or to have an impact on the legitimacy of the government save and except you might be speaking about the government and the plurality”, he said, pointing out that this is exactly what the president was alluding to.

“There wasn’t any question of the constitutionality of the decision made by the commission in appointing Donald Ramotar as the president of Guyana after the elections”, he said.

It was noted that what the president’s remarks led to, was an examination of the vote counting, the plurality and “most of his comments address those instances where the PPP insists that mischief was afoot in counting the votes”.

He said too that the PPP was the only one that lodged an objection or objections within the stipulated time frame.

I'm of the opinion should there be a forensic audit into last November’s general and regional elections....the P.P.P/C will be entrusted with a majority government...

The other day Peeping Tom mentioned that despite the bad performance of the PPP at the Nov. 18 polls the PNC have not been able to perform better than it did in 1992. It's an indication how little prgress the PNC has made even though argued that the Afro population is getting bigger

quote:

AFC Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan bluntly rejected any suggestions of a detailed probe into the vote-count which would require a High Court order to do. “We are not going to support an audit - the result is what it is,”

Its clear to see, Ramjattan knows if there is any recount the P.P.P/C will win the majority....no wonder Moses is so silent on the issue...

I agree with Albert. They AFC clearly knows what went down and you know the old saying; "Be careful what you asking for."
The AFC also know, that people that voted for them already crying out that the AFC join with the PNC and if only they had known they would hav evoted for PPP. They also know that if the President were to call for fresh elections, the PPP would walk away with well over 50%.

What is the legal time frame for a snap election if it's called for as a last resort? Any body?

A snap election, with a minority government, can be called at any time.

quote:

Originally posted by Demerara_Guy:
A snap election, with a minority government, can be called at any time.

A snap election will be a win win situation for the PPP. Berbicians are furious with the AFC since they crawled into bed with the PNC.

Who knows, Moses may even crawl back to the PPP.

Forensic audit will take a long time. I say call another elecion, that itself will be your forensic audit. Reduce campaigning period.
Moses can run as an independent, if he wants to leave the AFC.

You guys really beleive the PPP will do better the next time around?

Ramotar doesn't want to be known as the 100 day president that's why he'd rather stay on life support systems like he currenlt is rather than commit political suicide by calling for elections.

Don't you think if he thought he could win he'd call for elections.

The P.P.P/C literally missed the majority in Parlaiment by six (6) votes...if the recount was cancelled...a majority government the P.P.P/C will win.......in the event of any snap elections....the P.P.P/C will win the majority.....

Why would anyone be interested in Snap elections in a year which oil and gas might be discovered??

In the event of any snap elections, the P.P.P/C will be given by the electorate...a majority government.....

Why y'all rass doan shut alyou snappers about callin election. What's wrong with the Govt that's in place right now, what? Give the friggin people a chance to work things out.
I understan is what happen. Some of y'all doan want things to change, you wish for same old, same old and most of this shyte coming from others who live in other countries...that's what I find shocking.

The A.P.N.U/A.F.C alliance rejected authorizing lawful expenditure by the administration that was outlined in Financial Papers 7&8.

The Parliamentary Opposition parties collaborating on frustrating the implementation of the P.P.P/C Executive Parliamentary program..

I believe Ramotar would prove himself to be a jackass if he accede to the carping of those who wants a snap election just so that they can continue with their unaccountable and arrogant ways.

!. With two term limits, he will squander his first term on silly partisanship to defend the indefensible

2. Putting Guyana first before narrow political agenda and partisanship could be a real test of his patriotism and leadership.

3. Broad based consensus based on fairness, justice, equity and genuine concern for good governance should at all time be his guiding principles.

The President need not be reminded that people are watching him closely. After all he and his bombastic band have been singing for months now that "Dem Ah Watch Me."