Latest update May 12th, 2024 12:59 AM
May 14, 2015 News
…says it’s the party’s ‘legal right’
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has requested a recount of votes from sections of all ten administrative regions, citing as one reason cases where polling agents were allegedly intimidated and forced to flee from their stations.
This was announced at a press conference at Freedom House, yesterday, at a time when tensions were running high and both parties were claiming to be ahead in the polls.
Attorney-at-law Priya Manickchand even attested to being at the receiving end of intimidatory tactics, in her capacity as an Assistant Elections Agent (AEA).
According to her, during the course of her duties, as she entered a polling station to observe the process, the gates were surrounded by a large crowd, forcing her to leave before a further scene was caused.
Manickchand also declared her view that the elections were not conducted in a free and fair manner, in contrast to what the overseas observers had reported.
However, when reminded of her comments, she later denied ever saying such.
The PPP/C legal guru, Anil Nandlall, who was present, also said that any talk of the party going to the court at this time, is mere speculation.
He said that he had heard such a rumour and had read comments to that effect on social media.
When pressed, he stated that the party had no formulated plan to present a case to the High court, nor was the step necessary.
The call for a recount is nevertheless a move that could in fact; possibly delay the official announcement of an election winner.
Nandlall maintained that this is the legal right for his party to demand such a recount, whether the elections result was delayed or not.
According to him, the elections were not over, that the second stage of the process, verification of the results, is not yet over.
Nandlall also persisted in his statements that the PPP/C was leading the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) in the polls.
Asked why, if the party was leading, it was still demanding a recount; the response was that it was in an effort to ensure the integrity of the process.
Asked whether the party considered the irregularities to be of such a serious account that a recount was necessary, Manickchand stated that the irregularities could have an impact on the allocation of the regional seats.
Listen how to run an oil country
May 12, 2024
– GCF yet to respond to concerns regarding race course By Rawle Toney Kaieteur Sports – Some of the country’s leading cyclists are considering boycotting the National Sports...By Anasa Williams Kaieteur News – Millicent Mary Frank was born on May 11, 1924, at Lot 103 Leopold Street, Werk-en-Rust,... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Is it ever justifiable for journalism to fan the flames of geopolitical tension? This question arises... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]