There are many people who played important roles in preserving democracy in Guyana, including: (i) former President Jagdeo for being astute enough to put in place the strategic foundation that diminished the likelihood of a successful rigged outcome; (ii) CARICOM for proving to be a credible independent interlocutor; (iii) the ABC, OAS and EU countries who added the weight of large powers on the side of democracy; (iv) the CCJ which in its ruling in the NCM, GECOM Chairman and Eslyn David cases proved Guyana has recourse to an apex court beyond political reach and (v) last but not least the smaller parties who were as tenacious as any in calling for the will of the people to be recognized.
However, a special mention is reserved for these three women who played a key role in preserving Guyana’s democracy:
Mia Mottley, who as the previous Chair of CARICOM was a strong voice in the early days after March 2nd in calling out the non-transparent tabulation of the results in Region 4. In addition, Ms. Motley was able to broker a recount deal between Granger and Jagdeo. This recount turned out to be the fulcrum for a clear unambiguous result of the election and the ultimate declaration.
Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, who demonstrated the true application of blind justice from her first ruling that Mingo must provide the SOP’s to her clear ruling against the attempt to block the declaration of the election results based on the recount. This ruling was subsequently upheld at the Court of Appeal. I predict that Justice George-Wiltshire will be elevated to the CCJ at some point in the future.
Retired Justice Claudette Singh, Chairperson of GECOM, who lived up to her Iron Lady moniker. Upon her swearing in as the new head of GECOM last year she said, “My priorities will be this– I am endeavoring to have free, fair and transparent elections.” All indications are that until Mingo’s blatant attempt at fraud she succeeded in this endeavour which was proved out in the subsequent recount. She withstood pressure from all sides never satisfying anyone as she navigated a tense political and legal environment. However she was ultimately able to navigate the minefield and deliver a result that reflected the will of the people.
