[ad_1]
Dear Editor,
As we mark the fourth anniversary of President Irfaan Ali’s administration, we must reflect on the times our country came close to tumbling to the brink of dictatorship. During this time, the actions of the APNU+AFC coalition represent a disturbing chapter in our country’s history, clearly demonstrating that they remain prepared to subvert the democratic process and seize power at any cost.
The March 2020 elections were supposed to reflect our commitment to democratic ideals, allowing our people to elect their own representatives and chart a course for the future. Unfortunately, the APNU+AFC has blatantly attempted to seize power by deceiving and disenfranchising voters. While the SoP clearly stated that the PPP/C would win, the APNU+AFC’s response is disturbing and fundamentally undemocratic.
When compared to contemporary dictatorships, we find striking similarities to Venezuela, where the Nicolás Maduro regime has perfectly rigged the electoral process.
Maduro’s recent efforts to consolidate power through electoral fraud and repression of the opposition are very similar to the actions of the APNU+AFC in 2020. In Venezuela, elections have become a cover for Maduro to perpetuate power despite widespread opposition and international condemnation.
Maduro’s tactics include manipulating vote counts, disenfranchising voters, and using state resources to consolidate his rule. Similarly, the APNU+AFC’s attempt to alter the vote count in the Fourth District and its refusal to concede underscores their determination to undermine the electoral process. While a protracted recount (during a pandemic) ultimately confirmed the PPP/C’s victory, it also underscored the ongoing threat of authoritarianism.
Despite overwhelming evidence of their illegal conduct (after all, the entire incident was live-streamed on social media), the APNU+AFC steadfastly refused to acknowledge their illegal conduct. No political opposition figure, with the exception of Dominic Gaskin, has acknowledged or expressed remorse for their party’s actions.
Instead, they spread the unfounded claim that the current administration was illegally installed by the United States with the help of Russian hackers. This ridiculous conspiracy theory only serves to undermine trust in the PNC/AFC leadership.
The claim that the US engineered the creation of the current government is not only baseless but also absurd in itself. It serves as a convenient scapegoat to divert attention from the blatant subversion of democracy by the APNU+AFC. Accusing others of illegitimacy while refusing to accept the resolute verdict of the people is like blaming the referee for losing the game after being caught cheating.
In light of this, I would like to pose a question directly to Aubrey Norton and Nigel Hughes: Will you finally acknowledge that your political factions were involved in a malicious conspiracy to deprive the Guyanese people of their constitutionally mandated democratic voice?
I won’t hold my breath because the PNC has a long and well-documented history of electoral fraud and voter disenfranchisement, which has never been acknowledged or apologized for by any PNC leader.
Finally, as we reflect, let us also honour the resilience of our democracy and the unwavering resolve of the Guyanese people. Let us learn the lessons of 2020 and remain vigilant against those who seek to undermine our democracy.
Our fight to preserve free societies continues, and it is our responsibility as a people to ensure that the events of 2020 (and 1968, 1973, 1980, 1985) never happen again. Events in Venezuela are a stark reminder of the dangers we must guard against, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance and commitment to democracy.
Sincerely,
Alfonso de Armas
[ad_2]
Source link
