Dear Editor,
Reference is made to editorial “Party democracy” (Oct 23). Fraudulent elections, intra-party or national, or any type of elections, must be condemned and never accepted. They ultimately lead to authoritarianism as the country knows from experience under Burnhamism and in how political parties function. Candidates must never feel helpless during injustice or fraud or display lack of courage to challenge or expose wrongdoing. They must approach the courts as happened in mature democracies like the US, India, among others.
The courts have jurisdiction on how parties carry out their business especially if rights are violated. It is the court in the USA that mandated political parties to internal democratic elections among members for all positions. These elections are overseen by constitutional agencies. When disputes arose, candidates approached the courts for resolution. The courts were never shy to intervene and gave justice. The same is needed in Guyana to secure intea-party democracy.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram