GECOM reports 83 per cent turnout for Disciplined Services voting

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has confirmed that 83 per cent of eligible members of the Disciplined Services cast their ballots on August 22, during the designated early voting day for the security forces ahead of the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
This special voting arrangement allows ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) to exercise their franchise before Election Day, ensuring that they are available for deployment to polling stations and other strategic locations nationwide without being disenfranchised.
According to Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud, a total of 10,481 ranks were registered to vote this year: 6,909 from the GPF, 3,106 from the GDF, and 466 from the GPS. Persaud told reporters at a press conference that voting proceeded smoothly across all locations and that, following the close of polls, the ballots were securely transported to GECOM’s headquarters in Georgetown.
Once received, the ballots were sorted for dispatch to pre-determined polling stations where they will be intermixed with the wider electorate’s votes on Election Day.
However, Persaud disclosed that a minor discrepancy was detected during the reconciliation process: two additional ballots were recorded in District Four, while Districts Five and Ten were each short by one ballot.
The CEO noted that an internal investigation was immediately launched, and preliminary findings have identified a likely cause. A detailed memo, including recommendations and corrective measures, is being prepared for submission to the seven-member elections Commission. Persaud declined to provide further details on the matter, saying he preferred to await the Commission’s deliberations before making additional public comments.
Observers note that the turnout reflects a high level of engagement among the Disciplined Services, underscoring the importance of their participation in the democratic process. Meanwhile, election officials are keen to reassure the public that the ballot discrepancies, while minor, are being addressed transparently and will not compromise the integrity of the elections.