The Carter Center said on Monday it has deployed 40 observers across all ten regions of Guyana to monitor the country’s general and regional elections, with teams stationed at polling stations and tabulation centers.
Jason Carter, Chair of the Carter Center and head of its Election Observation Mission in Guyana, spoke with reporters during a press conference at the F.E. Pollard Primary School: “This morning, we sent observers into the polling stations in every single region, and this evening, we’ll have people in every single tabulation center for the next couple of days.”
He said that the mission is working in coordination with other international observer groups and has engaged with the leadership of several political parties. Carter noted that, while the Carter Center has undertaken a limited mission this year, observers have been on the ground for weeks, monitoring the pre-election environment.
“So far, our observers have been well treated, and we are excited about this day,” Carter said, while stressing that the team would not draw conclusions until after ballots are cast and counted. The Center is expected to release a preliminary statement on Wednesday, September 3, and a comprehensive report after the whole electoral process is completed.
Asked about reports of problems at polling stations, Carter responded, “We want to make sure we are drawing conclusions based on evidence and not based on rumors. So far, only limited reports even of good things… but we expect that today will be a smooth process.”
The Carter Center previously urged the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to clearly outline procedures for tabulating results. Carter said he was satisfied that rules were well understood: “We feel good that all of the parties are going to be present for the tabulation process. The parties understand the rules well. GECOM staff understands the rules well, and so we believe that we have no reason to think it’s not going to be a smooth process.”
Guyana’s elections are closely watched both locally and internationally, given the country’s recent oil-driven economic boom and contentious 2020 elections.
