The CARICOM Election Observation Mission to Guyana has commended the peaceful conduct of voters and the professionalism of polling staff during Monday’s General and Regional Elections.
Chief of Mission, Josephine Tamai, also highlighted several concerns surrounding the country’s electoral system.
Tamai stated that stakeholders had raised concerns about the accuracy of the voters’ list, specifically regarding the inclusion of deceased persons. “We were informed that the last official census was published in 2012, with the population a little bit over 800,000, while the voters’ list has over 700,000 persons. And so we can see from those numbers that the list is high,” she stated.
She explained that electoral laws prevent the simple removal of names from the register. “An extensive exercise needs to be done when it comes to removing deceased persons. I also want to encourage citizens that if you have persons in your family who are deceased, take the information to GECOM’s office to assist in cleaning that list,” Tamai urged.
She recommended either “a re-registration exercise” or more robust systems for removing deceased names.
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Tamai also stressed the need for new laws to regulate campaign financing. “We were informed that there is a lack of such regulations in Guyana, and so it is an issue that needs to be addressed. Again, it is something that political will has to be there to introduce,” she said, pointing to Jamaica as an example of a Caribbean country that has advanced legislation in this area.
The Mission also noted inconsistencies in the setup of voting compartments, which Tamai attributed to gaps in training, emphasizing “more emphasis would be needed in terms of training”.
On election day itself, Tamai reported, “Voters were able to exercise their franchise in a peaceful and orderly manner without significant incident. The team observed no signs of intimidation, harassment or campaigning intended to influence a strong democratic process.”
She commended polling staff and security forces. “Polling day staff performed duties in a professional manner and are to be commended. Similarly, the police maintained law and order at the polling stations with extreme professionalism.”
On the eligibility of non-nationals, she clarified that “once they reside for a certain period, then legally, they are eligible to get registered”.
The Mission also weighed in on the structure of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Tamai said many stakeholders wanted independent commissioners included, rather than appointments being dominated by political parties.
“I don’t believe that we should just limit it to political parties… You would want to have independent organizations being a part of the commission. It should not be about a government. It should be about the interests of the country,” she stated.
CARICOM’s observers visited regions three, four, five, six and ten, observing 360 polling stations. Tamai urged citizens to remain patient as results are finalized.
“We urge all Guyanese to remain calm, peaceful and patient while awaiting official results. Now more than ever, Guyanese must stand together and put country first. The integrity of your election is essential to the future of Guyana.”
