Georgetown: The United States Embassy in Georgetown has alerted all US citizens travelling and residing in Guyana of the increased threat of violence and civil disorder corresponding with National and Regional Elections on May 11.
In the advisory, the embassy said Guyana has experienced post-election violence in the past, and US citizens are reminded that even political rallies intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
Additionally, US citizens should be aware that the increased risk of violence and civil disorder extends past the elections, through the official announcement of results, and for some undefined period after.
“We advise all US citizens to maintain a low profile and a heightened sense of awareness, and to avoid all public political gatherings and demonstrations. US citizens should follow us on Twitter and Facebook in order to receive time-sensitive security notices,” the embassy said.
It added: “We strongly recommend that US citizens travelling to or residing in Guyana enrol in the Department of State’s Smart Traveller Enrolment Programme (STEP).” The STEP enrolment, the embassy said gives citizens the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the nearest US embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.
If you don’t have Internet access, you may enrol directly at the Embassy in Georgetown from Monday to Thursday between the hours of 11:00h-12:00h, no appointment is necessary.
Reluctance to accept
Meanwhile, David Carroll, Director of the Carter Centre’s Democracy Programme is quoted in a story on the Centre’s website as saying: “This election is likely to be very competitive. Depending on the quality of the electoral process, there might be reluctance to accept the results. It will be an important test for Guyana and its people.”
The Carter Centre has been invited to observe the May 11 elections – which both the ruling party and the Opposition coalition believe they will win – because of its long history in the country. “There’s a strong sense that this could be a closely contested election,” said Carroll.
“The Carter Centre knows Guyana quite well, and the Guyanese are very familiar with the Centre’s work. We have observed three different elections in Guyana – in 1992, 2001, and 2006 – and we have a deep familiarity with the country’s politics and challenges.”
The Centre deployed six medium-term observers in mid-April to assess the political climate and electoral preparations.
In the week before the election, they will be joined by about 40 short-term observers who will deploy across the nation.
On Tuesday, the Centre in a statement said it is “deeply concerned about the provocative rhetoric in the campaign,” even as it condemned attempts “to sow fear and distrust among Guyana’s ethnic groups.”
The Centre also warned against attempts to undermine confidence in the country’s electoral process and institutions. The PPP has made several complaints of APNU/AFC provocative acts including incidents of bottle pelting and in one particular incendiary incident an APNU supporter, allegedly the daughter of an APNU MP, urinating on a PPP Flag, waving it aloft and leading youths in a chant of “We gon bun dem out!!”
According to the Centre, “it is imperative that political parties remain conscious of their obligations under the Political Party Code of Conduct for these elections and urge their supporters to behave accordingly.”
As Election Day approaches, the Carter Centre is encouraging all Guyanese to make their strongest efforts to promote a peaceful and transparent electoral process. “These elections are an important opportunity for Guyanese to strengthen their commitment to one another and further consolidate their democracy.”
Nevertheless, based on assessments conducted thus far, the Centre said Guyana’s electoral preparations appear to be on track.
“In most parts of the country, electoral preparations appear to be on course, and in some areas, preparations are ahead of schedule. In some more remote areas, there are concerns about the status of logistical preparations.”
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