The importance of free and fair elections cannot be overemphasized

Dear Editor,

According to media reports, the Carter Centre will be fielding observers for the upcoming General and Regional elections.
This is a positive development given the role played by President Carter and his Centre in the return of democracy to Guyana after some three decades of undemocratic rule. The Centre has also been instrumental in the garnering of development assistance to the country following a return to democratic rule especially during the early stages of the new PPP/C administration.

The fact that the Centre would have a presence during the pre-and post elections period and on elections day would certainly help in terms of voter confidence. The Carter Centre has over the decades established itself as a credible institution that was instrumental in facilitating free and fair elections not only in Guyana but in several other countries.

The presence of elections experts from Canada, India and Ghana within GECOM would serve to complement and reinforce the work done by the Carter Centre and other observer groups, both national and international.
The importance of free and fair elections cannot be overemphasized. This is perhaps the most high-stakes elections in modern Guyana due to the emerging oil and gas sector. All eyes will be focused on the Guyana Elections Commission and its role in facilitating free, fair and credible elections.

Hydar Ally