UK again warns of serious consequences if election processes not credible

The United Kingdom has threatened Guyana with “strong international condemnation” if a Government is sworn in on the basis of ‘non-credible’ results from the March 2, 2020 general and regional elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, “Any government sworn in on the basis of non-credible results will face strong international condemnation. If the situation continues to deteriorate, this international response will include a range of serious consequences for those concerned.”

He noted that the “UK remains ready, along with its partners, to assist in ensuring a credible process that provides the democratic outcome that the Guyanese people deserve.”

The UK Foreign Secretary urged that the transition of Government should only take place in line with “transparent and democratic principles that lead to credible results.”

On March 10, 2020, the Foreign Secretary expressed “deep concern” about the elections process here and called on incumbent President, David Granger “to preserve the principle of free, fair and credible elections.”

The results from the elections continue to be marred in controversy since the declaration of votes in Guyana’s largest voting district – Region Four – was deemed to be fraudulent by opposition parties, international elections observers and foreign powers here.

An agreement between the Opposition Leader and the incumbent President for a CARICOM supervised national recount of votes has since been blocked by the High Court following an injunction filed by one of the President’s own candidates.

This matter is still engaging the attention of the court.

See the UK’s Foreign Secretary full statement on Guyana below:

24 March 2020

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab responds to the situation in Guyana following elections earlier this month.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

The transition of government in Guyana should only take place in line with transparent and democratic principles that lead to credible results.

Any government sworn in on the basis of non-credible results will face strong international condemnation. If the situation continues to deteriorate, this international response will include a range of serious consequences for those concerned.

The UK remains ready, along with its partners, to assist in ensuring a credible process that provides the democratic outcome that the Guyanese people deserve.