During a Facebook Live update this afternoon on the national recount exercise, People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali expressed that he is pleased with the efforts of the international community in ensuring that the Rule of Law and the will of the Guyanese people is respected.

“As we are near the completion of this recount, I am pleased with the numerous statements especially by the international community in relation to the recount itself and their expectations from us political leaders in moving our country forward,” Ali told thousands of viewers.

He then recapped recent statements by the international community.

In a letter dated June 04, 2020 that was addressed to incumbent President David Granger, five bi-partisan members of the U.S. Congress called on the Head of State to ensure that the results of the March 02, 2020 elections to be declared from the recount process are internationally recognized.

“Your leadership role during the recount process is critical to Guyana’s continued respect for the Rule of Law. Your place in Guyana’s history will be secured by ensuring an internationally-recognized Declaration of Results consistent with the laws of Guyana,” the letter noted.

“It is very clear from that letter to President Granger by the bi-partisan members of Congress that they are keen in ensuring that there is a smooth transition and ensuring that the Rule of Law is respected. And that at the end of this recount process, a declaration is made based on the results of the recount,” Ali said.

The Presidential Candidate then turned his attention to a joint statement issued yesterday by the Ambassador of the U.S. Sarah-Ann Lynch, the British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, the Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee, and the Ambassador of the European Union, Fernando Ponz-Canto.

“As this process concludes, it is important for all stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the process and peacefully accept the wishes of the Guyanese population. We encourage party leaders to commit to constitutional reform and reconciliation to ensure every Guyanese, regardless of party affiliation, sees how their government will work in their best interest,” Ali said as he quoted excerpts from the joint statement.

Ali reasoned that it is clear from the above mentioned remarks that Guyana’s international partners are “calling on us not only to ensure that the process is concluded, and ensuring that the declaration is made; but for us all to peacefully accept the wishes of the Guyanese people.”

He added that the latter is very important because it is not the wishes of the PPP/C, APNU+AFC, or the wishes of any other political party that contested the elections.

He said, “The results of the elections are the wishes of the Guyanese people. And the wishes of the Guyanese people must be respected and accepted.”

According to him, as the next President his government is committed to its manifesto promise for Constitutional Reform.

“…And meaningful Constitutional Reform ensuring that all Guyanese, all segments of our population are consulted and included in the process of Constitutional Reform. We have learned so much from this [elections] period. Electoral reforms are needed, restructuring of the Elections Commission… These are all things that must occupy the agenda of all us collectively…”

In that regard, Ali disclosed that he looks forward to great partnership among all political parties, civil society and all citizens of Guyana in ensuring that these key issues are addressed towards reforming and transforming Guyana.

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