GEORGETOWN, Guyana – President Bharrat Jagdeo has called on voters to demonstrate maturity and understand the importance of exercising their franchise, as Guyana prepares to elect a new government, possibly by August.
“I ask you to remember that this is a critical year for us, but it is also an exciting year… a year when we show that we are a mature country,” said Jagdeo, who is constitutionally barred from running for a third consecutive term.
Speaking at a ceremony at State House to commemorate the life of former presidents Dr Cheddi Jagan and his wife Janet yesterday evening, Jagdeo said voters must be strong and not be caught in the web of those with narrow political agendas.
“Things that you hold precious in your heart, you have to guard,” President Jagdeo said, describing 2011 as a challenging one that can only be overcome by the fortitude of the Guyanese people.
Jagdeo’s ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is expected to face a united opposition in the elections.
Four of the opposition parties, including the main opposition Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR), have agreed to search for the best formula for choosing the presidential and prime ministerial candidates for the elections.
The PNCR, Guyana Action Party (GAP), Guyana Peoples Partnership (GPP) and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) have “unanimously” agreed to a six-point guide.
Earlier this month, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said it is ready for conducting the polls. (CMC)
