GEORGETOWN, Guyana, May 9, 2021 - The Opposition APNU/AFC Coalition are this week to hold discussions with the International Republican Institute (IRI) which plan to implement an electoral reform project in Guyana as they are yet to be advised about the announced plans by the government.
Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon wrote to the IRI seeking information about the project, on the basis that he is not optimistic of being briefed by the administration as President Irfaan Ali has refused to speak with him unless he recognises the government.
Harmon told the IRI’s Resident Program Coordinator Dorota Ryzy that he learned of the program by way of the” US Embassy press release which stated that "the U.S. Department of State is supporting an 18-month project to strengthen the capacity of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the Attorney General’s Chambers regarding electoral processes, and to encourage civil society organizations (CSOs) to advocate for electoral reform in accordance with regional and international standards. The project will be implemented by the International Republican Institute (IRI).”
“Given the concerns of our constituents, particularly in context of the non-consultative posture of the Ali Administration, I write to request that the APNU/AFC Coalition be fully briefed on the Terms of Reference for the Project and the mechanisms for consultations with the Opposition,” Harmon said.
He pointed out that the Opposition was committed to electoral reform, noting that the APNU+AFC supporters represented close to 50 percent of Guyana’s electorate and cannot be left out of any reform process. “The APNU/AFC Coalition fully supports electoral reform in Guyana, but we are of the view that this has to be done in full consultation with the Opposition,” Harmon said.
The Opposition Leader said the US’ announcement has caused “considerable unease and anxiety”, particularly since President Irfaan Ali has bluntly refused to hold political engagements with him. “The APNU/AFC Coalition fully supports electoral reform in Guyana, but we are of the view that this has to be done in full consultation with the Opposition,” he said.
President Ali has repeatedly called on Mr. Harmon to recognise him and his People’s Progressive Party as being in office legitimately as a result of the March 2, 2020 general and regional elections. Mr. Harmon continues to maintain that his coalition does not regard the government as legitimate but has publicly called for talks.