Roman Catholic Bishop, Francis Alleyne

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Roman Catholic Church in Guyana has called on the losing Party to “concede defeat immediately upon the declaration of the 2015 election results by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM),”and for the winner to magnanimously accept, “so that as one people we can focus with resolve on the critical business of nation building.”

The preliminary results shows a victory in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition and GECOM is expected to declare the official results of the election today.

The data indicates that out of 410, 391 ballots cast, the PPP/C managed to acquire, 201,457 which is 5,360 votes short of the figure acquired by the APNU+AFC which is 206,817

Head of the Church in Guyana, Bishop Francis Alleyne in a media release noted that GECOM’s preliminary results “show a photo-finish, with APNU+AFC likely to be declared the winner.”

He is urging that “the declaration of the elections results be done quickly so that the voice and good will of the People is not taken for granted.”

He praised the electorate for their exemplary conduct in turning out, exercising their civil responsibility and waiting patiently as well as the various endorsements on the electoral process are a credit “to us all and deserve the greatest respect.”

Additionally, the Bishop noted that given the closeness of the results, as well as the divisiveness of the campaign, it is clear that much work lies ahead to build lasting reconciliation and trust.

“The well-known adage says ‘forgive and forget’. In reality we don’t forget but we can remember without the bitterness and pain: we can be healed and reconciled and trust again and must claim this.”

“I pray that as a people we encourage and support one another in broad-based inclusion in the governance and life of the nation.”