Guyana: High Court blocks proclamation of presidential election winner March 8 /update 2

Event

The High Court of Guyana upheld an injunction on Sunday, March 8, blocking the Elections Commission (EC) from announcing the winner of the March 2 presidential election. Chief Justice Roxane George said that she will begin hearing the case on Tuesday, March 10, to determine whether elections officials will need to resume the verification of votes in Region Four after opposition figures claimed electoral misconduct. Further associated protests are therefore likely in the coming days. Violent clashes and transportation disruptions are possible around all protest sites.  

Context

PPP supporters have clashed with police, blocked roads, and burned tires since initial election results were released on March 2 that declared David Granger as president. Jagdeo is accusing the EC of altering the results in Region Four, the most populous electoral district, favor of President Granger.

On March 6, police officers shot and killed a protester in the West Coast Berbice region. According to police officers, they came under attack after clearing barricades erected by demonstrators on the Cotton Tree Public Road.

Advice

Individuals in Guyana are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and public demonstrations as a precaution, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.