By Radha Motielall
[www.inewsguyana.com] – The People’s Progressive Party/Civic has expressed concerns over alleged cases of multiple voting.
At a news conference at Freedom House on Monday afternoon, the Party noted that persons have been turning up at some polling stations, claiming that they have no ID card. They are then administered an oath and given a ballot to vote. The problem however comes when later on, someone else shows up claiming to be the same person, who had already voted and actually presenting an ID card to back up their claim.
PPP/C Executive, Dr. Frank Anthony said they have reports of persons actually removing completely, the ink on their index finger and venturing back to the places of polls to cast a ballot again.
Another concern raised by the PPP/C has to do with proxy voting. According to Dr. Anthony, persons are being denied their right to vote by proxy, despite being granted same by the Guyana Elections Commission.
These concerns raised by the Party reportedly occurred in areas including, Mocha, Belladrum, South Georgetown, etc.
Dr. Anthony admitted however that the Party’s reports of these incidents are yet to be made to GECOM for verification. He said the report is being compiled and will be filed at an earliest time.
The PPP/C also noted that the cases mentioned are not widespread.
When questioned whether raising these issues were part of the Party’s plan to build a case for non-acceptance of the elections result, Dr Anthony responded in the negative and stated that these are basically concerns which they have and which they want investigated.
Meanwhile, on a general note, Dr. Anthony said the PPP/C is pleased with the voter turnout, but is concerned about the pace at which voting is taking place in some areas, as he explained that the feedback is that there are long queues at some places of polls. In view of this, the PPP/C is urging its supporters to remain calm and not get frustrated.
He also used the opportunity to issue a call to those who have not yet ventured out to the polling station to do so, in the few remaining hours.
