Moves are afoot to send Azruddin Mohamed and team back to the drawing board for a new party symbol. Chairman of the National Toshao Council (NTC), Derrick John and Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) have both petitioned the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on the matter.
Guyana Standard understands that letters have been sent to the commission by both indigenous leaders to block Mohamed’s party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), from using the jaguar as its symbol. The general sentiment, as conveyed to this publication, is that the feline creature is a sacred symbol of the indigenous people.
The deadline for submission of symbols was June 23. Guyana Standard understands that GECOM will be examining the symbols on Tuesday, July 1. If any party’s symbol is rejected, Guyana Standard understands, those parties will be given a day or two to resubmit.
Guyana Standard was advised that the law does not bar a political party from using the jaguar. The law only warns against the use of national symbols like the coat of arms, for example. The jaguar was used before within a symbol of a political party. GECOM has reportedly never seen this level of push back against its use.
