Granger to be sworn in as President today; PPP still wants recount

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APNU+AFC's David Granger and his wife, Sandra Granger. [Kojo McPherson Photo]

APNU+AFC's David Granger and his wife, Sandra Granger. [Kojo McPherson Photo]
APNU+AFC’s David Granger and his wife, Sandra Granger. [Kojo McPherson Photo]
[www.inewsguyana.com] – Brigadier David Arthur Granger is slated to be sworn in as the eighth executive President of Guyana today, Saturday May 16, immediately after the APNU+AFC is declared the winner of the 2015 general and regional elections by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

GECOM  on Thursday afternoon released the preliminary and raw data that was taken off of the 2,299 Statements of Poll collected from across the country, which indicates that out of 410, 391 ballots cast, the PPP/C managed to acquire, 201,457, while the APNU+AFC recevied 206,817 votes.

APNU+AFC attracted 201, 324 votes in the Regional polls, while the PPP/C acquired 198, 148 votes.

But even while this is the case, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) still maintains that it is the winner of the elections, putting up a fight against the APNU+AFC governing the country.

The PPP has been in power for 23 straight years and its Presidential Candidate, Donald Ramotar refuses to accept defeat on the grounds that the election process was flawed.

The Party at another press conference late last night chided GECOM for refusing to recount a number of Statements of Poll (SOPs) which it claims was tampered with.

Members of the PPP/C during the press conference.
Members of the PPP/C during the press conference.

On Friday, the PPP/C provided what it described as evidence of some 22 ballot boxes in Region 4 being compromised and had requested a recount of those boxes by GECOM.

A report on another online news entity quoted Chairman of GECOM, Dr Steve Surujbally as saying that a check of the SOPs has revealed that the claim by the PPP/C is inaccurate.

In this regard, PPP/C Candidate, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy told the news conference that “something smells and we don’t know what and that’s why we’re asking for the count to be done.”

He maintained his Party’s call for the ballot boxes to be checked to clear the misunderstanding and misconception.

“Our point is that the DRO did read numbers that are different from the Statements of Poll that we have, and since Mr. Lowenfeild is reporting data given to him by the DROs we want to know why all of these confusion and therefore why don’t we check the boxes to see which of these various numbers are accurate?” Dr Ramsammy questioned.

Meanwhile, another party member, Charles Ramson Jr noted that from the inception the Party expressed concerns regarding possible infiltration at GECOM, adding that it is possible that GECOM’s refusal to have those specific boxes checked is to protect its integrity.

According to him, it is unfortunate that the Commission is placing its integrity above that of the people of Guyana and in doing so is not ensuring that the country’s democracy is maintained.

He also displayed pictures and information gathered from Facebook about two females who worked on elections day for GECOM and who are APNU+AFC supporters, insinuating that they may have been compromised.

When asked what will be done with that information, he noted that, “it is just for your edification.”

He is convinced that votes were taken from the PPP and given to the coalition intentionally by some of the GECOM staff who worked on polling day.

 

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26 COMMENTS

  1. Andre, you never cease to amaze me with your bigotry and not so subtle disregard for historical accuracy.

  2. You are truly cynical. Interestinly, you seem to be one of those Guyanese who were willing to turn an ignoring eye to the atrocities of 23 years on PPP/Civic governance while still trying to resurrect the accusations of PNC election rigging. Accept the fact that the present government was duly elected and will probably be the first democratic government in all of Guyana’s long history.

  3. The GOD I KNOW SAYS…IF THE PEOPLE WOULD TURN FRM THEIRWICKED WSYZ,I WILL HEAL THEM N THEIR LAND…..THE ANSWER IS GETTING CLOSE TO JESUS….one thing I DO KNOW GOD HATES WEN PPL MUMBLE N COMPLAIN N COMPLAIN….ITS ABOUT PRAYING WITH FAITH N WAIT!!

  4. As much as I LUVGuyana so much,I have seen so much improvements Within the years that went by,but also I see and hear of people still back biting,grumbling,nmain thing THE RACIAL PROBLEMS STILL REMAINS…..I DEEPLY FEEL THAT RACIAL PROB CAME FROM BURNHAM CUZ OF THE ABUSE N MISTREATED WAYS HE GAVE TO PEOPLE N IT STAYED.. I TRULY FEEL ITS TIME TO STOP THIS RACIAL PROB BTWN THE TWO NATIONS,SIMPLYCYz our blood runs thru d same veins,n from the SAME LIVING GOD ABOVE!

  5. Mr. Dis Ramos,

    I must compliment you for your response to the comments I made earlier. In relation to the source of my knowledge on the 1763 slave rebellion led by Cuffy, I must let you know that I learnt that during my early primary school days from my well respected teacher, Mrs. Shirley Green, former head teacher of St. Margaret’s Primary. She also happens to be the author of a book ‘ Guyana, Our Country, Our Home. Check it up on page 93. If you find it to be vagued, I can organize for you to sit in her class at the New Guyana School to learn more about it. If you are still not satisfied, I can seek the co-operation of our historians such as Dr. Melissa Ifill or Mr. Tota Mangar or Mr. Patrick Dial to assist you.

    I agree with you point that if the coalition does not ‘deliver’, we should send it packing. However, I am wondering if we will get the chance to do that as we experienced in 2015 in removing the PPP. Some of the main architects of rigged elections from the 1970’s and 80’s are around. This is one of the areas they are very skilled in.

    As for your question if any report to the police about the shots fired, I cannot tell if anybody made but I did not. I believe that even if anyone had made a report, the police would have seen it as a celebratory moment as they themselves were involved. I have several people who can substantiate my point that shots were fired.

    I cannot doubt the fact that those who supported the coalition took it to as a risk and at the same time to take responsibility for the consequences that may follow. They voted a boss and should represent themselves like bosses. If I should hear any of them complaining, I will boldly and loudly tell them to enjoy the change that you wanted. I agree with you that the likes of Kissoon, Ram, the Bulkans were probably maligned, cursed and they persisted. I do hope they will all remain ‘stone bulls’ and allow their balls to be stoned. They were free to talk it as they saw if fit under the PPP. Let’s see how the song will be sung under this new Government; whether the notes will be high or low pitched.

    There is no doubt that the SN and KN did inform all of us all of the ills that the former administration did. My concern is if they will suddenly go blind, deaf and dumb if any ills are committed under this admin. Let’s wait and see bro. I am thick skinned. I am not easily offended.

  6. I haven’t went back to Guyana for the past twenty five years, but for what I heard is that there are alot of improvement when the PPP/C took over. I am not affiliated to either of the two parties, because they both racially divided. I cannot see any of them bringing the people together. This will never happened. I wished to see a new party with new ideas to run Guyana in the future. Guyana cannot get better with those two parties. Never.

    Abu Areeb

  7. Well said Andre. And yes INEWS has been my choice over the past few days. They definitely seem to be unbiased: balanced like you so rightly described. Good job INEWS!

  8. Go home and sleep and watch Guyana transform into a united country for the first time. My prayer warriors were out there after parliament was progued by the PPP/C government. Their high handed-mess and treatment of the opposition and the Guyanese people who did not vote for them lead to their demise. They got 5 years to think about how the lost (jagdeo) hint and regroup.

  9. Did Janet offer a recount in 2006 ? the only election the PPP won was in 1992 , all the rest was rigged/bought, if you don’t believe me go ask GoCoolOut Budhoo what he got caught doing in 2011.

  10. Mr. Andre, sir, I have read your letter. Please educate us as to the source of knowledge concerning Cuffy, about 250 years ago. That is very interesting. I do agree sir, that Some of us are so lazy, sir! Both Africans and Indians, sir.
    ! We all await the execution of the plans and the fulfillment of the promises made by the coalition. If they do not “deliver” then we shall “dump” them, sir.
    About those bullets fired, sir, was any report made to the police? Do you sir, have verifiable evidence of this?
    Sir, all The Indians who openly supported the Indian leaders of the coalition, took upon themselves personally, the risks and the responsibilities, for this! They, sir, were very much maligned , cursed, and insulted for this. Still, they persisted. Sir, it did take a degree of courage to speak out at the unconsciounable “re-distribution” of our nations natural resources in favor of a few foreigners., Sir, Janette Bulkan and Ronald Bulkan educated this nation about some of this. Mr. Ram, sir, showed that he has the cojones of a “stone” bull in writing about certain ills, and in taking Mr. Jagdeo to court. Same for Freddie Kissoon. A fighter, sir, no? Yes?

    We read in the SN , and the KN , about Fip Motilall, Amaila, Airport Expansion Contract, Fibre Cable Project and Alexis Ramotar, Surendra Engineering and the water pumps, the Enmore Sugar Packaging Plant, and the Specialty Hospital. We read about NICIL, Lotto Funds, contract workers. The Hope Canal. And others.
    Sir, that is when some Indians decided to take a stance for what was right. So, we followed our Indian leaders in the AFC and gave our support to enable all Guyanese to get a better deal. If we offend you, sir, we are so sorry. But, we could not take it anymore. Nagamottoo and Ramjatan made us do it sir. We are not sorry sir. We shall not apologize sir. We voted like a big boss sir. Peace!

  11. At this juncture in Guyana politics, will we continue to follow the circular path of the misguided or chart a path that is truly independent from our predecessors who were out to serve themselves? Yes, our country was once a coalition that morphed into the one race party of the PNC that misruled with crime, cronyism and corruption that led to the underdevelopment of our country and mass migration. The PNC abuse of power was succeeded by Jagan’s PPP, but Jagan’s PPP also morphed into a party, fraught with cronyism and corruption, that gifted our country to foreign companies that mocked our country as an independent natation.

    I have hope that the new leaders will keep the past in their minds’ eyes as they work to build a Guyana for the sake of all those who have bled and sacrificed for their country over the years.

  12. Why the reluctance to do a recount of a few ballot boxes?
    GECOM is failing miserably and will be remembered for installing an undemocratic Government.
    GECOM is being backed by certain forces to install a undemocratic Government!
    Guyana is a bless country and God is watching.
    The PIE is waiting to be eaten and God will turn his back on Guyana because of evil

  13. Sag Cayman!! Look and think what you also is DOING N SAYING? You mentioned frm THE BIBLE who isthe person to “Cast Stones” but then YOU JUST DID WHAT YOU R TELLING THE PERSON BY POINTING THAT SAME FINGER SAYING “THEY R CORRUPTED N DISHONEST” PPL ,OTHERWISE you pointing fingers also weh u said THEY R CORRUPTED N DISHONEST….DO U THINK GOD LIKE THAT?

  14. Why would GECOM employees be barefaced to go on social media and boast of cheating. Look the PPP lost the election, it is over with and done accept and bless. Peace out!

  15. It seems that everyone and his brother is ready to bury the PPP/C. How soon we forget the good things they have done.
    GECOM and MR Surujbally must bear the responsibility what will be written down in History.
    PNC Forbes Burnham is ‘cursed to this day’ for the ills he did against the Guyanese people. Those who have betrayed their duties be on notice your day for accountability will come in due time.

  16. Since Granger is announced winner,n Ramotar has proof that GECOM EMPLOYEES CHEATED AS STATED ON FB ,THEN THE OFFICALS SHOULD GIVE THE GREEN LITE AND HAVE THE VOTES TO BE MATCHED UP N GO TO DEEPER INVESTIGATION PROCEEDINGS! Every1 on BOTH SIDES SHUD HVE THEIR VOICE HEARD N CALCULATED….BE BLESSED IN JESUS NAME!

  17. Congrats to Mr. Granger on his success at the 2015 polls.

    He should keep in mind however, that had it not been for Nagamootoo, his dreams of being the 8th President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana would have never been materialized.

    The Indians who threw their support behind Nagamootoo will expect him and his new friends to deliver. The results were almost 50/ 50. The new Government cannot be leader for half and ignore the other.

    Mr Nagamootoo & Ramjattan including the Bulkans and dear old friend Jaipaul Sharma should note that some of the Indians were dismayed to see the arrogance displayed by groups of Afro Guyanese as they barefacedly paraded in the PPP’s strong holds, under the pretext of celebrating their leader’s victory, fired shots in the air and mocked them; this was two days after some had given their support to the coalition.

    It is of the hope that Mr. Granger let these groups know that they all have to work to build this beautiful land of ours; probably some of them are of the opinion that he will give them sun, moon, stars, gold and diamond and fill their pockets with money from the rich treasury the PPP left and so they can stay at home and drink gin and whisky.

    He should remind them that this is the attitude their ancestors had in 1763 when Cuffy revolted in Berbice. They thought that they (the blacks) would have suddenly become whites and be planters and live in the Europeans’ sprawling houses. When Cuffy cautioned them about working and building, they thought that he wanted to enslave them.They themselves turned against him and he had to commit suicide. I do hope they are not reliving that piece of history that took place 250 years ago.

    I have my checklist of the things Mr. Granger promised to do within the first 100 days. I am waiting for my increase in salary and all the other goodies promised.

    It will be interesting to see what format the Voice of the People show will take. It bashed the PPP for 20+ years. Let see if it will speak and highlight any ills of this coalition it is in bed with. We are waiting to see that if the Kaieteur News, Stabroek News, Prime News, Nightly News and Capitol News will suddenly become blind, deaf and dumb and fall in the same trap if accused the Chronicle for over the years.

    As for the PPP, I do hope that they refresh themselves. They ignored their grassroots over the years and they paid the price. They should start to get busy with the Local Government Elections and work to make a strong come back in 2020. They need to get rid of those corrupted few as soon as possible.

    Permit me to say congrats to INEWS for its balanced reporting. I am impressed. You guys will hear from me often. Keep up the good work!

  18. Dr Ramsammy the only thing that smells is that letter you signed to allow a now convicted murderer and drugs dealer, sensible spy equipment. It would do you folks good to just stay quiet and accept that the PPP lost the elections. Who are any of you to cast stones? You are all a bunch of dishonest corrupt people with NO integrity!

  19. Congratulations to Mr Granger (soon to be HE Mr Granger). It was time for change and now it is time for reconcialtion and investment in Guyana.

  20. mr granger i want to say to you , well done, may god guide you on a path that is
    fruitful , and may all your aspirations for my country and you country, be fulfilled,and may he blessed you with the wisdom and vision, that was was given to king soloman, of isreal, in the bible,……….do not be bothered by those that speak
    with forked tounges they are just instrument of the devil,,,,,,…..go forward for our country.

  21. Expose the Devils. Why don’t they want a recount of the specific ballot boxes ? Mr. Steve we all know that you are an arrogant bastard but the people of Guyana will be pushed to do what they have to do and it will all be because of you. Seems like you have a lot to hide. The elections were rigged regardless of what anyone wants to say. Let’s see what the PPP will do for their people.

  22. Charles Ramson Jr???….damn son…even your name sounds foolish!!!…where does PPP/C find these clown boys from??…you better thank god that you ain’t mekkin lot 12 like most of the other clowns in your circle!!….Plus I know some cruel man waiting for revenge on all y’all right in lot 12!!…but nevertheless…I shall check you guys out from the pave on Durban…ensuring KY jelly is used!!!:)

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