Ballot boxes delivered safely after security forces came under attack from Venezuelan shore

Security forces came under fire from across the Venezuelan border on Sunday while escorting election officials and ballot boxes along the Upper Cuyuni River, but no injuries or damage were reported, the Joint Services said.

The patrol, comprising Guyana Defence Force soldiers and police officers, was transporting nine election officials and ballot boxes for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in Region Seven when it came under fire near Bamboo, close to the frontier.

Troops returned fire and manoeuvred the vessels out of danger, the statement said. Despite the incident, all ballot boxes were delivered to polling stations at Cumang Landing, Kurutuku and Dukquarie Landing. A previous drop-off at Turnbung had been completed without incident.

The Joint Services said they remain on alert and are coordinating with GECOM to secure election operations. An investigation is underway.