As Guyana prepares to head for the polls, Canada is also following with their elections in October, prompting the High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee to underscore some outcomes which should prevail.
During the celebration of Canada Day 2019 on Monday evening, the Diplomat pointed out that election preparations are underway in Canada, and are being overseen by an independent body that is unaffected by political parties or government.
“Speaking of elections, there is one coming up in a few months. Election preparations are currently underway by an independent, non-partisan body answerable to parliament and not to Government or any political party. Naturally, I’m speaking of our Canadian election,” Chatterjeet positioned.
Elections Canada is the agency responsible for these arrangements and reports directly to the Parliament, somewhat similar to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). She hinted that while it is uncertain who will prevail, there will be a “clash” of policies. But the final proclamation will not resort to violence.
She said, “It is still early to know who will form Government in Canada’s nest elections. There will be a clash of policies and ideas but there will be no clash of fists. When the election is decided, there may be tears but there will be no violence. I can guarantee you that whoever loses will accept it as the will of the people.”
The High Commissioner asserted that there were differentiating factors of race religion and ethnicity in the past but it was bridged by consensus and led the way for the country’s success.
“We are not better than you and we’re certainly not perfect. Canada’s independence was forged by brokering among very distinct regions, ethnicities and religion. Consensus and compromise are hallmark Canadian values and led the way to Canada’s success.”
On another note, the Canadian envoy reminded of their support towards Guyana, dating back to 1964 and before the massive oil discoveries.
“We were here when you had no oil. We have accompanied you in all stages of your development when very few were here to support you. We are not your donor. We are your partner and you can continue to count on Canada as we cultivate our gardens of liberal democracy,” the diplomat expressed.
In response, President David Granger mentioned the respect for internal affairs and sovereignty which has existed between the two nations.
“Guyana and Canada have founded their friendship on the principles of mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for international law and treaties and the maintenance of international peace and security.
Guyana acknowledges, and expresses its gratitude to Canada, for its strong support for our sovereignty and territorial integrity over the past five decades,” the Head of State said.
He added, “Canada has provided assistance to Guyana in a wide range of fields including education, the environment and climate resilience, indigenous peoples’ development, governance, justice administration, public administration, private sector development, social development and of course, support for the National Assembly. Canada has been a leader in the global efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. It continues to provide support to small states seeking to build greater environmental resilience.”
Guyana is on the brink of an unsteady political climate ever since the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Tuesday threw out Government’s arguments, ruled that the No Confidence Motion on December 21, 2018 was indeed validly passed.
The Court found that 33, and not 34 as the Government and supporters have argued, was the majority the Opposition needed out of 65 Members of Parliament (MPs) to pass the motion.
