The main Parliamentary Opposition claimed during a press briefing today that Local Government voters who have crossed over or are beneficiaries of government programmes, are being forced to send pictures of their ballots to government representatives as proof of loyalty. Asked today if any of those “numerous” persons are willing to come forward, Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, responded in the negative.
He said that those persons, many of whom are beneficiaries of the government’s part-time initiative, are fearful of victimisation. He added that the photographic evidence is a measure taken by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to ensure that the crossover supporters keep their promise of support.
The member said the information about this issue came from his party’s representatives who are receiving complaints of this nature “on a daily basis”. Mahipaul said he believes the information is credible.
He noted that at a recent Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara meeting the lights were deliberately taken off to silence the rally. Mahipaul said that if the ruling party is willing to resort to such a low level, it stands to reason that the party is willing to pull out all stops to steal the election.
He then called on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to “lend an extra eye or two” to ensure that the secrecy of the ballot is preserved.
The ruling PPP/C is yet to respond to these claims.
