PPP accesses private emails, mobile numbers to canvass votes
By Fareeza Haniff
[www.inewsguyana.com] – In addition to sending mass emails to thousands of Guyanese asking for votes, the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has now acquired the telephone numbers of the electorate, both their landline service and mobile device.
Several upset citizens have complained to iNews that “persons from Freedom House” have called them on their mobile phones and landline, enquiring if they will be voting for the PPP at the upcoming May 11 general and regional elections.
According to one woman, who prefers to remain anonymous, the caller also told her not to inform anyone about the telephone call. The woman expressed fear for her safety, as she noted that the caller from Freedom House knows “personal information” about her; they are in possession of her home and cell phone numbers.
When iNews contacted one of the two numbers provided – 231 – 9303 and 231 – 9298 – a young lady answered saying “Freedom House, good morning.” She identified herself as Cindy Wordsworth and revealed that she was provided with telephone numbers for Guyanese “all over” by the Leadership of the PPP.
“We got it from the General Secretary of the Party; we’ve just been calling to encourage persons to come out and vote and asking if they will be voting for the PPP and if they would like to volunteer in any voluntary activities,” the young lady told iNews.
When questioned, she could not say where or how the PPP acquired thousands of telephone numbers of the electorate, pointing out that she was only hired some two weeks ago by Freedom House.
“I don’t know where they got it from but they got it; not your number alone ma’am, it’s everybody number around the country.”
Several persons have expressed concern at the fact that the Party has been able to access their personal information without their knowledge or consent.