September 2, 2025
The CARICOM Election Observer Mission issued its preliminary report today and said the elections were conducted peacefully, despite pre-election concerns by some political parties.
The Chief of Mission, Josephine Tamai, who is the Chief Elections Officer of Belize, told reporters that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) must be allowed to conclude the electoral process.
“We urge all Guyanese to remain calm, peaceful and patient while awaiting the official results of the General and Regional Elections. The relevant authorities must be allowed the space to carry out their duties cordially and transparently. Now more than ever, Guyanese must stand together and put country first. Remember that the strength of the nation lies in unity, resilience to the democratic process,” Tamai said.
Tamai is leading the 10-member Mission, which has been in Guyana since August 26 observing the electoral process.
On Monday, the CARICOM team observed the electoral process in Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and 10. A total of 324 polling stations were visited.
Tami said based on the mission’s preliminary findings, the elections were smoothly conducted in a peaceful environment, and the Elections Commission ought to be commended for a job well done.
“The CEOM is of the view that on Election Day, 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 or obstruct the democratic process,” the Chief of Mission reported.
The CARICOM Observer Mission said at the opening of the polls, there was adequate police presence, and despite pre-elections concerns about the shortage of polling day workers, all polling stations were adequately staffed and professionally manned.
It was noted that with the exception of one polling station, which opened at 6:40am due to the late delivery of the voting compartment, all other polling stations observed opened on time.
It was noted however, that the late opening of the single polling station, did not result in voters being disenfranchised, as all voters were given the opportunity to exercise their franchise.
“Why voter turn-out appeared slow for a significant portion of the day, polling staff remained focused on their duties, ensuring that all eligible voters, who presented themselves, were able to cast their ballots,” the Chief of Mission said.
On the downside, the team observed inconsistencies in relation to the positioning of the voting compartments due to varying interpretations of the guidelines provided by GECOM.
It said despite the variation, the voting procedures were generally conducted in accordance with the guidelines set out by GECOM.
“The CEOM also observed that some polling stations were not located on the ground floor. This presented a challenge for the elderly and disabled voters which is an important consideration for future planning,’ Tamai said.
Meanwhile, even as the tabulation process unfolds, Tamai said the CARICOM Election Observer Mission is pleased with the legislative changes that were instituted for the uploading of the Statements of Poll (SOPs) to GECOM’s website to improve transparency in the process.
The team will wrap up its mission tomorrow, and depart Guyana.
A comprehensive report on the country’s elections will be submitted to the CARICOM Secretariat in the coming weeks.
Source: News Source Guyana