The PPP/C, which has held power for the last 19 years, traditionally attracts support from the Indo Guyanese communities, and has also given much assistance to the Amerindian communities in the remote regions.
The APNU, with successes in the Georgetown and Berbice and the inland region 10, had made a bid to voters of all races, but did include the main leaders of the former PNC (Afro Guyanese supported party)which had controlled Guyana amid controversy in the 1970s and 80s.
The counting of the votes (total cast 346,717, representing a 72.9% turnout), in a system which includes direct representation and a proportional top-up, took from Monday evening until Thursday afternoon when the results were announced.
The intervening period was tense in and around Georgetown, as the focus of opposition to the ruling PPP/C and support for the APNU alternative was here. The campaigning month had been marred by a few violent disruptions to party rallies, but apart from some challenges of unfair practices (unfounded), a few skirmishes and one large APNU motorcade which was stopped and dispersed by the army, there have been few reports of trouble.
After the results were given the leaders of each party made appeals for calm and an acceptance of the new situation. It will be interesting to follow the new appointments and divisions of responsibilities and powers as the National Assembly takes shape. There is a mood for change and optimism for a new beginning.
The VSO office here has exercised the cautious approach throughout voting day and the post election week. Because of the minor upheavals in a few parts of town, we have been advised to stay indoors- and now we all have cabin fever, very clean flats and up-to-date work notes.
 |
| Donald Ramotar |
No comments:
Post a Comment