“To what end” is what former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall questioned repeatedly as he examined and spoke to Guyana Standard on the “antics” of APNU+AFC officials and affiliates. Nandlall is convinced that “all the proceedings and delay tactics are a waste of time.”
Today was supposed to be the day that the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield handed over his official report to the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Justice Claudette Singh in order for her to make the official declaration of the winner of the March 2020 elections.
But two main things happened. Lowenfield refused to hand over the report after receiving a mere notice from the court of an injunction filed. Also, the Commission was unable to convene a meeting because there was no quorum. The quorum was lacking as commissioners representing the APNU+AFC refused to show up to the vital meeting; only one commissioner, Vincent Alexander appeared.
That meeting was postponed to tomorrow to allow for a quorum. The law allows for tomorrow’s meeting to be convened even if all members do not turn up. The law states that after the meeting was postponed for a day, it can then be convened once four members of the Commission, including the Chairman, are present.
However, tomorrow’s meeting is also in limbo. It has not been made clear if the meeting, which was to be held at 13:00hrs, will now be held later in the day, or if it will be postponed for another day. However, the PRO of GECOM, Yolanda Ward told the media, “Please be advised that due to the hearing of the notice of appeal tomorrow at 13:00hrs, the Commission will no longer meet at 13:00hrs as planned.”
While these developments are causing angst for several who are expressing frustration on social media, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic appears to be calm in its conviction that “they are only delaying the inevitable.”
Nandlall told Guyana Standard, “Everything is being orchestrated to facilitate an APNU agenda of delay. To what end? I am not sure because the result of the election is already calculated and finalized. Irfaan Ali is already deemed elected the president of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. Nothing can change or reverse that.”
Nandlall asserted that what is left to be completed in the electoral process are formal and ceremonial activities.
He was adamant that “There is no court that has the jurisdiction to thwart the will of the electorate. Courts have the power to ensure the will of the electorate prevails not the other way around.”
Also, Nandlall said that the proceedings filed to stop Lowenfield from handing over his report are “incurably bad, misconceived, frivolous and vexatious and no court would take it seriously.”
