GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Guyana is joining the global community in observing International Day of Democracy on Friday, with the country’s two prominent political leaders outlining their respective positions on democracy.
President Irfaan Ali has used the occasion to remind the Guyanese that free and fair elections have been described as the lifeblood of democracy. At the same time, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton says democracy in Guyana “is under relentless attack by the government.”
In his statement, President Ali, whose ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) came to office following a prolonged and contentious general election in March 2020 that involved several court battles, said, “It is through the exercise of their franchise that citizens give voice to their aspirations and direct the course of their country’s future.
“Free and fair elections are the mechanisms through which the people exercise their sovereignty and a formidable.
“Today, as the world commemorates International Day of Democracy, Guyana reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding this precious right, born from the struggles and sacrifices of our people,” Ali said.
He said Guyana’s move towards democracy has not been without adversity, noting that from 1968 to 1992, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country endured a harrowing 24-year democratic interruption.
“The memories of that dark era are a stark reminder of the price we paid for liberty. It was a time when the people’s voice was stifled, their rights violated, extreme hardships were levied upon them, and their dreams of a better future were impaled. Had it not been for pro-democratic forces’ stubborn resilience and grit, Guyana would never have emerged from those difficult times.
“Yet, hope never dimmed. Our country emerged from those dark times into the brightness of a new era in 1992. Democracy birthed better days and brighter times.”
Ali said that in recent memory, Guyana faced another ominous challenge when “sinister forces attempted to undermine the integrity of our free and fair elections in 2020.
“It was a moment that tested the very core of our democracy. But, through the vigilant efforts of our citizens, the international community, and our institutions, we thwarted those who sought to steal the votes of our people. It was a triumph of democracy, underscoring the importance of remaining eternally vigilant against those who would subvert the democratic will of the people.
“Democracy requires continuous vigilance. The purveyors of authoritarianism and election manipulation are never far away. Their tactics evolve with time and become ingenious. We must be ever-watchful, guarding against any attempts to erode the foundations of our democracy,” he added.
In his message, Norton, the leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), said that the theme for International Day of Democracy is “Empowering the next generation” and focuses on young people’s essential role in advancing democracy.
He said that the theme is also to ensure that the voices of young people are included in decisions that profoundly impact their world.
“In Guyana, where democracy is under relentless attack by the government, young people must recognize that democracy does not emerge and survive on its own. It is the people who must construct and defend it. The people must ensure democracy is not stifled, eroded, or reversed.
“Young people must be prepared to unite and stand up for democracy. Otherwise, their aspirations as enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana will never be realized.”
Norton notes that in the preamble of the Constitution, the Guyanese people acknowledge the life goals of our young people “who aspire to live in a safe society which respects their dignity, protects their rights, recognizes their potential, listens to their voices, [and] provides opportunities…”
“We, as a political party, will ensure democracy thrives, and the aspirations of young people are fulfilled,” he added.
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