APNU+AFC fabricating electoral issues ahead of 2025 elections – Jagdeo

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, in his weekly press conference on Thursday, accused the APNU+AFC opposition of creating false challenges surrounding the upcoming general elections, asserting that there are no real issues with the electoral system.

The Vice President, representing the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), opened his press conference intent on clarifying misconceptions about voter impersonation, assuring that the system in place is robust and reliable.

Jagdeo’s remarks come ahead of a crucial meeting between PPP/C officials and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), which is set to take place next Tuesday.

The VP condemned what he said was the opposition’s attempts to distort history, claiming they were trying to cast doubt on GECOM’s ability to conduct free and fair elections.

“The opposition is trying to create a narrative where none exists. They are distorting the history of previous elections and accusing GECOM of being incapable of holding elections,” Jagdeo said.

“This is nothing but a distraction from their own record.”

Jagdeo pointed to a meeting between GECOM and Nigel Hughes, leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), which took place last Thursday. Following the meeting, Hughes and the AFC issued a press release asserting that GECOM was in disarray and incapable of overseeing the elections.

“If anyone is in disarray, it is the APNU+AFC opposition,” Jagdeo said in dismissal.

The Vice President further criticised the opposition’s insistence that biometric systems would solve what he says is a non-existent problem.

According to Jagdeo, the real issue in 2020 was an attempt by the opposition to manipulate the electoral process with the help GECOM staff.

Jagdeo also referred to a recent ruling made by the Chairman of GECOM, Justice (retired) Claudette Singh where she asserted that the use of biometrics would be unconstitutional unless accompanied by new legislation.

“They are trying to divert us down a path that leads nowhere,” he added.

While acknowledging that there are challenges in the electoral process, Jagdeo pointed out that GECOM had identified seven major issues, but stated these would not be insurmountable in the short or long term.

With elections scheduled to take place no later than November 2025, the government is confident that GECOM’s capabilities have vastly improved, with additional measures in place to ensure the integrity of the process.

“There is no reason to fear that elections will not be fair,” Jagdeo insisted.

“We have no intention of rigging elections. The AFC and APNU-PNC have threatened to internationalise their challenges.

“Good luck with that..; we will do the same,” Jagdeo added.

As General Secretary of the PPP/C, Jagdeo confirmed that he would personally meet with GECOM officials to address the concerns raised and to ensure that all issues are properly addressed before the upcoming elections.

“We are committed to a transparent and fair electoral process, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure that the will of the people is respected,” he said.