Dookeran wants inquiry into recount process

However, UNC chairman Basdeo Panday, obviously implying that some people’s belief in the integrity of the process was convenient, stated that he had a difficulty understanding how people could accept the democratic process on Saturday morning (at the start of the recount) but not on Saturday evening (by the time it ended).

In both instances that process was overseen by Ganace Ramdial, a man in whom he (Panday) had faith and who had acted as president of the country.

Panday, who denied that new vice-chairman Vasant Bharath was his godson, stated that he was assured by Elvis Gooljar, manager of the Rienzi Complex, that there had been no tampering with the boxes.

Panday said he believed that the majority of people in the country, far from doubting the integrity of the polls, were very happy that the democratic process had worked so well.

However, Dookeran said that there was enough ground for an inquiry, and that he planned to formally write to chairman of the Elections Management Committee, Ganace Ramdial, informing him of his request. "He would have to decide how he handles the request," Dookeran stated.

Asked if he supported the move to challenge the result in court, Dookeran said, "My feeling is that there should be an inquiry."

St Joseph MP Gerald Yetming said he was an "ordinary member" and therefore he was not taking the matter any further. "If the Political Leader recognised that the result was overturned on the basis of very questionable circumstances, then as Political Leader I expect him to take action.

Told that Dookeran had asked for an inquiry, Yetming said that Dookeran as political leader could initiate an inquiry and did not need executive sanction. Ramdial said yesterday that the recount was done with tremendous transparency. He said there were many people present.

Asked about the extraordinary delay between the count and the recount, Ramdial said the UNC had to recruit staff to do the recount, all of whom were working people and, therefore, could only be available on a non-working day. The first non-working day after the election was Saturday, he said.

Asked who had control of the ballot boxes during the five days they were at Rienzi Complex, Ramdial said the officer in charge of the UNC (Elvis Gooljar) was responsible for the boxes. He said he (Ramdial) did not have a key to the boxes. The keys were kept by Gooljar.