Jason Carter: Only evidence, not rumors, should shape election assessment

Chair of the Carter Center Election Observation Mission, Jason Carter, on Monday said the mission’s preliminary findings of the September 1 elections could be released as soon as Wednesday, emphasising that conclusions about the election must be “based on evidence and not based on rumors.”

Carter said the 40-member Carter Center team has been deployed across every region and tabulation center, working alongside other international observers and engaging with political parties.

He added that there have been no significant issues so far and trusts that the vote tabulation will proceed smoothly.

“We’re not going to draw any conclusions, of course, until after the day is over and after the tabulation process is complete,” Carter told reporters at the F.E. Pollard Primary School, a polling station in Georgetown.

He said the mission’s preliminary statement will reflect on Election Day and the tabulation process, and then, “we issue a full report once we have a chance to really compile all of the information.”

Asked by reporters about any issues reported to the observers, he stressed that conclusions about the election must be “based on evidence and not based on rumors.”

Carter noted that the mission has received only positive reports so far.

“When we hear things, we try to go see with our own eyes what’s happening. Thus far, we’ve only had limited reports — even of good things — and we haven’t had a chance to observe any rumors. So far, so good,” he said.

Carter expressed confidence in the transparency of the tabulation process, citing cooperation from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and political stakeholders.

“We feel good that all of the parties are going to be present for the tabulation process.

“The parties understand well the rules, GECOM’s staff understands well the rules, and so we have no reason to think it’s not going to be a smooth process,” the Chair said.

The Carter Centre, which has observed multiple elections in Guyana over the years, has been in the country for several weeks, monitoring the pre-election period, and will remain until the tabulation is concluded.