The Commonwealth has issued a statement to the Government of Guyana and other “relevant stakeholders and institutions” asking that these parties ensure the restoration of constitutional rule in Guyana.
The Commonwealth asked specifically that a date be set “immediately” for the holding of early elections in keeping with what is prescribed by the constitution in the case of a no-confidence motion.
Below is the Commonwealth ‘s full statement.
Statement from the Commonwealth Secretary-General on Guyana
The Secretary-General has taken note of the 18 June 2019 ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and its consequential orders of 12 July 2019. The CCJ’s ruling was clear that the Guyana Constitution sets out certain requirements for the time of an election after the valid passing of a no confidence motion.
The rule of law and constitutional governance are fundamental Commonwealth values to which Guyana has subscribed.
In this regard, and in accordance with the ruling of the CCJ, a general election in Guyana is now constitutionally overdue. A general election should be held in accordance with the unambiguous constitutional imperative to do so. The Secretary-General has spoken with the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and discussed Commonwealth support to GECOM.
