More organizations urge PPP/C to accept defeat

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) says it is deeply concerned by the, “apparent refusal of the one of the main political parties to accept the results of the 2015 elections” noting that the observer missions, both local and international, have deemed the elections to be free and fair.

“GECOM, sometimes to the agitation of sections of the population, also went to great pains to ensure that all the results published were accurate and beyond question,” a statement from the GCCI noted.

The release added that the uncertainty created by, “this state of affairs has caused business, productivity and the entire country to grind to a halt.  As a nation we cannot continue to suffer because of the machinations of parts of our political establishment.”

It has urged that all parties accept the results of the elections. “There is a legal recourse available for all those who are dissatisfied with any part of the electoral process.”

Meanwhile, the Guyana Bar Association, the Association of Women’s Lawyers and the Justice Institute of Guyana has also issued a call for President Donald Ramotar and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) to accept immediately the results of the elections held on May 11 and concede electoral; victory to the APNU+AFC coalition.

“Article 9 of our constitution states that sovereignty belongs to the people who exercise it through their representatives and the democratic organs established by or under the constitution,” a release stated.

It added that it is fundamental to democracy that the people are able to vote and replace elected representatives in periodic free and fair elections.

 “Our four organizations accept the conclusion of the various official observers that these elections were free and fair and reflect the will of the people…contrary to democracy to continue to delay the swearing in of Brigadier David Granger as President and handover of executive government to the APNU+AFC coalition,” the statement added.

“We are proud that the people of Guyana have shown great patience and restraint during this week. We look forward to a new Parliament based on respect for the rule of law and respect for the inherent dignity of each and every citizen of Guyana.”

They have also issued a call for citizens to continue to, “go about their business peacefully with dignity and respect for one another.”