US sends strong warning to persons involved in electoral fraud in Guyana

The Government of the United States of America (USA), in its starkest warning to Guyana to date, since the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, said: “individuals who seek to benefit from electoral fraud and form illegitimate Government, [or] regimes will be subject to a variety of serious consequences from the United States.”
The warning was issued on Tuesday from the highest level of US Diplomacy—US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.
Speaking at a media conference on South American affairs, Secretary Pompeo told reporters “The United States is closely monitoring the tabulation of votes in Guyana.”
According to the US’ Secretary of State, his country joins with the Organisation of American States (OAS), Commonwealth, the European Union (EU) and “and other democratic partners in calling for an accurate count”.
He also commended the Caribbean Community’s (Caricom’s) role “in seeking a swift democratic resolution.”
The threat of individual sanctions by Secretary of State Pompeo was made amidst allegations of gerrymandering tactics being laid against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to delay or interfere with the tabulation of the elections results.
Several observer groups in addition to a number of political parties contesting the 2020 Elections have lamented a lack of transparency in the process, with at least one set of results declared being thrown out by the courts and a second declaration being set aside in favour of a recount.
The Caribbean Community (Caricom) initiative came into being as a result of the delays and statements by the observer missions and a five-member delegation of Prime Ministers to Guyana on a two-day mission this past week, “to work with stakeholders to craft a path forward out of the present political situation.”
Prime Minister of Barbados, the Right Honourable Mia Amor Mottley—who is also Chairperson of Caricom—was accompanied by Prime Ministers Dr Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, Dr Keith Mitchell of Grenada and Dr Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
The specialist team arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), onboard a military aeroplane on Saturday evening, ahead of the recount and is Chaired by Francine Baron, former Attorney General and Foreign Minister.
Other members of the team include Anthony Boatswain, former Minister of Finance of Grenada and Cynthia Barrow-Giles, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Government of UWI.
They were also joined by Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), Fern Narcis-Scope and Barbados’ Chief Electoral Officer, Angela Taylor.
The international community, including observers and the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union had described the tabulation process for Region Four as one that lacks credibility and transparency.