–In protecting Guyana’s democracy – Nandlall
-by Celestine Juan
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall says the lessons of October 5, 1992, remain critical to protecting democracy in Guyana.
Speaking on his Issues in the News programme last night, Nandlall reflected on Guyana’s electoral history and the political developments that preceded what he described as a major turning point in the country’s journey toward free and fair elections.
Nandlall says the significance of the 1992 general elections cannot be understood without examining the events that preceded them, including controversies surrounding elections held during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
He focused particularly on the electoral history of the post-independence period, beginning with the 1968 general elections.
“You couldn’t challenge anything related to the elections. You had to wait until the elections results were declared, and that was the law that was fixed and set then in 1968,” he said.
He also pointed to the 1973 elections, when he said international observers were not permitted and voting mechanisms, including proxy and postal voting, became significant features of the electoral process.
The Attorney General said it is important for younger generations to understand what occurred before 1992, arguing that knowledge of Guyana’s electoral past must remain part of the national conversation.
The 1992 general elections brought an end to the People’s National Congress’ 28-year period in government, with the People’s Progressive Party Civic securing 32 of the 65 seats in the National Assembly.
For Nandlall, the significance of October 5 goes beyond the political outcome of that particular election.
He contends that the date serves as a reminder of the importance of strong electoral institutions and democratic safeguards, regardless of which political party is in government.