Police presence quells Mon Repos uproar; investigation underway

An unusual gathering of supporters from the two major political parties in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara during polls on Monday led to the Police being called in.

The Police, with the help of members from the riot squad, took over two hours engaging and barring the groups before they started to make headway in dispersing the crowd.

While some party supporters and residents of the community insisted that their presence was important in “protecting their vote”, others heeded the Police’s request to leave the area.

Also present on the ground was People’s Progressive Party member Anil Nandlall. He too pleaded with supporters to leave the area but they insisted that they were not leaving once agents from the other party remained there.

The Police could be seen pleading for hours with both sides to disperse even as they hurled remarks at each other and expressed confidence in hugging the victory at the 2020 elections.

The ranks from the riot squad who had taken up tactical positions eventually withdrew.

Up to 8pm, polling day staff were still in the Mon Repos Primary School counting ballots while electors kept watch from the roadway.

Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield said the elections body was currently awaiting the finding of investigations which were underway.

He confirmed that the count commenced at the close of poll and the process was moving along.