In a statement issued through the local US Embassy, the Senators said nearly four months since the elections, the Guyanese people are still waiting for an official result and that is unacceptable.
Leading members of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee today issued a call for the authorities in Guyana to begin a democratic transition of power that reflects the results of the March 2nd general and regional elections:
In a statement issued through the local US Embassy, the Senators said nearly four months since the elections, the Guyanese people are still waiting for an official result and that is unacceptable.
The Senators said they share in the frustration expressed by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of American States (OAS), and other international stakeholders, and call on the Guyanese authorities to issue an official election declaration that reflects the results of the March 2nd election which were confirmed in the official recount by CARICOM’s observer mission.
The Guyana Elections Commission which is the only body that could issue a declaration of the elections results is currently barred from doing so at this time by the Caribbean Court of Justice which is set to hear an appeal on the issue of valid votes next Wednesday.
The Court made it very clear that no declarations should take place during this time and it issued orders to that effect.
But the US Senators said recent reports coming out of Guyana suggest questionable maneuvers by interested parties designed to continue forestalling a final declaration of results, which it claims members of the press say indicates a defeat for the incumbent government.
The senators said President Granger should honor the will of the Guyanese people and concede.
The Foreign Relations Committee members said they extend their support and solidarity to the people of Guyana, who have borne more than their fair share of patience during this process.
The Committee said for the sake of the Guyanese people, the future of democracy and the rule of law in the hemisphere, the ongoing uncertainty and gamesmanship must end.
The statement which appears to be calling on the Elections Commission to ignore the orders of the Court follows a similar statement issued earlier this week by the Diplomatic Representatives of the American, British, Canadian and EU Missions in Guyana.
That statement also called for a declaration now, despite Court orders being in place.Source
