Condemning electoral fraud is not interference

Dear Editor,
Guyanese at home and in the diaspora praise the position taken by the US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch (April 2) re-committing to free and fair elections. Condemning electoral fraud is not interfering in the internal affairs of a State. Was apartheid in South Africa any of Guyana Government’s business? Why did it get involved in the internal affairs of South Africa? Human rights abuse, including electoral fraud, is the business of the world. The US and other countries are justified in condemning fraud and calling for an accurate count of ballots. The US statement is equated with those on rigged elections in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Bolivia, Venezuela, and elsewhere.

The US Ambassador, like representatives of all other countries, has been forced to abandon the traditional smooth and suave diplomatic language in the face of gruesome and barefaced elections theft that was being executed by GECOM in the full glare of the international community.

Glowing tributes are paid to Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch’s commitment in standing up for democracy in Guyana. But she has faced minimal criticism from some Government defenders with the statement being described as interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state. Are these critics supporting electoral fraud?

Following the electoral fraud, the US reiterated its position on democracy in Guyana. As the Ambassador noted, neither she nor the US would compromise their position on electoral integrity. It would be duplicitous to condemn electoral fraud (May 2018) in Venezuela and not in Guyana; the US is preparing for military actions against Venezuela. Guyana and the US were among the twelve signatories of the Lima Declaration in January 2019 condemning electoral fraud in Venezuela. Yet, the Government of Guyana is condoning electoral fraud at GECOM.

Guyana is fortunate to have her as US Ambassador. In a very short period of time in Guyana, she has distinguished herself successfully advancing US-Guyana trade and humanitarian and cultural interests. US-Guyana relations have improved significantly under her watch: bilateral arrangements, visits by high-level American delegations of security strategists, Congress, investors, etc. She has also promoted greater trade links. The American Chamber of Commerce has been formed under her stint.

The Ambassador’s statement is a reasonable explanation of the US’s position on democratic governance. That is not interference in Guyana’s governance. It is a practice of countries when they see electoral injustice. She has a right to express the opinion of her country on human rights affairs. She has distinguished her behaviour in the conduct of diplomacy. She has remained within the norms of diplomacy. She complied with all State Department rules and regulations. It is true that it is unprecedented for a diplomat to speak so forcefully on that subject in Guyana. She demonstrated publicly where the US stood at this critical juncture in the political life of Guyana. Nothing else is acceptable.

That statement has earned accolades. Guyanese see the statement as extraordinary and they endorse the call to count every ballot fairly and correctly. Those critical of the US position on democracy are misguided. Guyana is a major recipient of US aid. Hundreds of thousands of Guyanese live in America. The criticism of the US on democratic elections will only seek to harm relations.

As a political scientist, I study international diplomacy. The statement is appropriate and a rare wash down of a country by a diplomat in any part of the world. It sought to reinforce that right to people vote and their vote must be counted correctly. The US will not close its eye to electoral fraud.

The statement of Her Excellency on US commitment to democracy has shone a bright light on the US foreign service that people are increasingly seeing as being different from the days of supporting some dictatorships through the 1980s including the PNC’s. The statement has exuded renewed confidence among Guyanese that electoral fraud would not be condoned and that people can have a Government of their choice.

Guyanese are grateful to the US for its support for democratic elections. And they salute the great work of Ambassador Lynch to foster closer relations between the US and Guyana.

Yours truly,
Dr Vishnu Bisram