America steps up to help Guyana run clean elections as tensions mount across the South American nation. US Ambassador Nicole Theriot promised Wednesday that Washington will back local police forces ahead of the September 1 vote. The ambassador revealed that Guyana officials asked for American help to keep things peaceful. Theriot said the US brings major experience in handling tough elections without violence. Multiple international groups plan to watch every polling station across the country.
The United States will pay for most of the Organization of American States election monitoring mission. American diplomats also team up with the respected Carter Center to oversee the democratic process. Britain, the European Union and Canada join the international effort to ensure fair voting. Theriot announced that 50 American observers will spread out across Guyana to watch polling stations. The embassy works closely with other diplomatic missions and business groups to coordinate election monitoring.
Voters pick between several political parties including the ruling People's Progressive Party and opposition groups. The main opposition alliance Partnership for National Unity faces off against the Alliance for Change and newer coalitions. Opposition leaders worry about problems with the voter registration lists that could affect results. Theriot admitted hearing complaints from political rivals and ordinary citizens about voting rolls. The ambassador still trusts the Guyana Elections Commission to deliver free and fair elections despite the concerns.
The United States will pay for most of the Organization of American States election monitoring mission. American diplomats also team up with the respected Carter Center to oversee the democratic process. Britain, the European Union and Canada join the international effort to ensure fair voting. Theriot announced that 50 American observers will spread out across Guyana to watch polling stations. The embassy works closely with other diplomatic missions and business groups to coordinate election monitoring.
Voters pick between several political parties including the ruling People's Progressive Party and opposition groups. The main opposition alliance Partnership for National Unity faces off against the Alliance for Change and newer coalitions. Opposition leaders worry about problems with the voter registration lists that could affect results. Theriot admitted hearing complaints from political rivals and ordinary citizens about voting rolls. The ambassador still trusts the Guyana Elections Commission to deliver free and fair elections despite the concerns.
