Ballot box break-in threatens talks between Guyana political parties
The discovery of a break-in of three containers holding ballot boxes is threatening to undermine parliamentary partnership talks between the country’s main political parties.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) said this and other evidence points to a clear conspiracy to “cheat the PPP/C of a clear parliamentary majority.”
The ruling party had initiated talks with the opposition coalition group, A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change after its 32-seat win in the November 28 general election left it without a majority in the 65-seat National Assembly.
President Donald Ramotar said the discussions were aimed at arriving at a consensus on the way forward.
“I can promise you that I would do my best to make this new arrangement work; and very, very soon we will have indications if I will have partners at the other side as we push our country forward,” he said.
The PPP/C is now accusing some political elements, which it did not identify, of using military-type planning and operation to frustrate and undermine the democratic process in Guyana.
The party said it is “flabbergasted by the on-going efforts by certain forces to interfere with the integrity of the 2011 elections material and vital evidence should there be either a recount or even a forensic audit, which the party is advocating.”
“… The PPP/C has always maintained that it remains unopposed to a total or partial recount of the ballots given our firm view that there was orchestrated misconduct at several polling station and divisions.
“It must be noted that the PPP/C was prevailed upon to withdraw its request for partial recount as the opposition had claimed that would delay the announcement of the preliminary results. This request was made by the PPP/C in light of certain facts and activities that took place and affected votes which were cast for the PPP/C.”
The ruling party said it expects the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and law enforcement authorities to move resolutely in apprehending those involved.
GECOM has not yet issued a statement on the matter.
Caribbean 360 News
Oprah, Louis Farrakhan visit Haiti
President Michel Martelly said he intends to ask American talk show host Oprah Winfrey to serve as a goodwill ambassador for Haiti to boost aid to the country.
He said the request would be made during her visit to the country this week. He is scheduled to meet with Winfrey today, a day after she arrived in the country.
Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced following the 2010 earthquake that devastated the country. Many continue to live in makeshift camps.
During her visit, Winfrey will visit a settlement camp for displaced people run by Hollywood actor Sean Penn and his aid group.
She is also expected to meet with American fashion designer Donna Karan.
Winfrey’s visit coincides with a five-day trip to the country by Louis Farrakhan, Leader of the African-American religious movement, Nation of Islam, who is looking at ways his organization can assist with rebuilding the country.
“I have longed throughout my life to set my foot in the sacred soil of Haiti,” Farrakhan told journalists.
Caribbean 360 News
Manuel Noriega extradited to Panama to serve jail terms
Panama's ex-leader Manuel Noriega has been extradited back to his home country from France and taken straight to a prison.
His plane touched down in Panama City on Sunday evening after flying from Paris via Madrid.
He was convicted in absentia of crimes committed during his time in power in the 1980s.
The 77-year-old has already spent more than 20 years in prisons in France and the United States.
Last month, a French court approved a request from Panama to send him back home to be jailed over his convictions for murder, corruption and embezzlement.
He had the right to appeal, but his lawyers said he wanted to return to Panama.
Foreign Minister Roberto Henriquez has said the government's priority is to guarantee Noriega's safety.
Noriega travelled with a team of Panamanian officials, including the country's attorney-general and a doctor. After his arrival, he was escorted to El Renacer jail, south east of Panama City.
Murder of opponents
Although he was never president, General Manuel Noriega served as Panama's de facto leader between 1983 to 1989.
Once a US ally, he was arrested by invading American troops in January 1990, amid allegations he had turned the Central American nation into a drug-trafficking hub.
He spent 20 years in prison in the US after being convicted there of the charges.
In 2010, he was extradited from the US to France, where he had been convicted in absentia of laundering money from Colombian drug gangs through a French bank to buy property in Paris.
He received a seven-year jail sentence from the French court.
In Panama itself, he faces three 20-year jail terms for crimes committed during his rule, including the murders of political opponents.
However, it remains unclear whether he will remain in prison, as Panama allows people aged 70 years and above to serve their sentences at home.
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