2020 Guyanese protests explained

The 2020 Guyanese protests were mass protests and rioting against the results of the 2020 Guyanese general election in March 2020 in Guyana and claimed there was electoral voter fraud during the campaigns, calling for the end of the political crisis and the resignation of President David Granger, yet fresh elections.[1]

Background

Guyana has a long history of protest actions, such as the disturbances and demonstrations in 1962–1963 against working conditions and demands for reforms grew. Riots and popular unrest in 1964 countrywide left at least 110 dead and no concessions was made. This time, the government dispersed protesters and didn't tolerate any acts of disobedience.[2]

Protests

Dissenters marches, protest rallies, strikes, labour protests, demonstrations, unrest, rioting, civil disobedience movement, significant discontent and campaigns for new elections led by the opposition turned violent. Turmoil spilled onto the streets and turned was burned.[3]

Schoolchildren and young students participated in the protests, burning tyres and sticks, chanting anti-government slogans and demanded fresh votes in Berbice. Police used tear gas and killed an 18-year-old unemployed man in the city as protesters ramped the protests.[4]

3 days of popular protests and citywide demonstrations turned violent. Berbice was the epicentre of protests where protesters demanded the overhaul of the elections over electoral fraud and ‘rigging’ of the elections. The rioting had turned deadly.[5]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Watch: Protests over ‘rigged’ elections in Berbice and along East Coast. March 6, 2020. Stabroek News.
  2. Web site: Protester killed in Guyana as unrest spreads over vote fraud reports. March 7, 2020. Reuters.
  3. Web site: Violent protesting by PPP supporters lead to injury of children and police. 6 March 2020. Department of Public Information, Guyana.
  4. Web site: Guyana election: Two main parties declare victory as tensions rise. 5 March 2020. BBC.
  5. Web site: Protester Killed in Guyana as Unrest Spreads Over Vote Fraud Reports. March 7, 2020. US News.