WASHINGTON, July 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States has moved to implement visa sanctions on members of the Guyanese government and other officials it describes as attempting to undermine the democratic process in the country.
The move follows further attempts to stall the declaration of the Opposition PPP-C as the winners of Guyana’s General elections held over four months ago.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a stern warning called on incumbent Guyanese President, David Granger, to respect the election results and step aside.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo did not mince words, the warning was clear.
However, Secretary Pompeo did not name the individuals being targeted.
The US Embassy in Guyana later issued a statement on behalf of Pompeo, stating that Guyana’s non-democratic trajectory is dangerous for its citizens and for the hemisphere as a whole.
He says he hopes that Guyana’s leaders understand what is at stake if they continue down this path.
At least one news outlet in Guyana is also reporting that similar sanctions may follow from the United Kingdom.
The decision follows further deadlock in a now drawn out electoral process.
Guyana has been in electoral limbo for months after observer groups called into question the process during the March 2 polls.
Pressure from observer groups including the US and the UK triggered a official recount which upturned the previous result and declared the Opposition party the winners.
The matter eventually ended up at the Caribbean Court of Justice, CCJ, which last week called on Guyana’s Electoral Commission, to declare a winner based on the results of the recount .
To date, this has not been done as a fresh legal challenge has stalled the process.
Also weighing in on the electoral deadlock in Guyana is newly appointed CARICOM Chairman, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.
He says what should be a straight forward counting of votes has become a long running soap opera.
Dr Gonsalves is calling on the Guyana’s Elections Commission to declare the long over due election results.
Meanwhile, the Canadian government says it strongly regretted the extended delay in declaring the election results.
It says it is prepared to use all tools at its disposal to hold accountable those who are preventing the declaration of the election results. — NNN-AGENCIES
