APNU Candidate Dr. Paul Williams Urges Law Enforcement to Uphold Constitution on Election Day
By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
HASLINGTON, East Coast Demerara — Former Deputy Commissioner of Police and current A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) candidate, Dr. Paul Williams, has called on members of the Guyana Police Force to strictly adhere to the Constitution and standard operating procedures during the upcoming September 1 general and regional elections.
Speaking at a public meeting in Haslington on Tuesday, Dr. Williams warned officers not to allow themselves to be influenced by political direction or manipulation. “Members of the force, remember you will stand and fall by your records. Don’t allow yourself to be used,” he cautioned.
The APNU candidate stressed that officers must ensure instructions are lawful and grounded in the Constitution, especially when tensions arise on polling day. He reminded the force that their role is to de-escalate conflicts, not escalate them.
Dr. Williams also underscored that no private security service has authority over the police or joint services on election day. “It is the police force, and if assistance is needed, the GDF will come on board,” he affirmed, urging vigilance from both law enforcement and the public.
He further reminded officers of their responsibility to safeguard the constitutional right to vote, emphasizing that they are not to remove voters from polling stations. Additionally, he insisted that police officers must remain inside polling stations during the closing of polls and counting of ballots to ensure transparency.
“Be inside. That is your duty. No one is to lock you outside and tell you to stand at the door. You are to see that everything goes the way it ought to,” Dr. Williams stated.
