Local, international observers praise voting process, urge calm as results awaited

The September 1 General and Regional Elections in Guyana have won praise from both local and international observer groups, which said voting was smooth, professional and free of intimidation.

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), which deployed about 200 observers nationwide, described the elections as “free, fair, and carried out in an atmosphere devoid of fear or intimidation.” The ERC commended voters for their peaceful participation and urged leaders and supporters to stay calm while results are finalized. “Let harmony and good relations prevail,” the Commission said.

The Organization of American States (OAS) mission, led by former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, said its observers visited hundreds of polling stations and found the process largely orderly, with only minor delays. Golding stressed that “any disputes regarding the results should be resolved through the mechanisms established by law.”

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), headed by Robert Biedroń, gave a similar assessment, reporting a smooth opening and steady conduct throughout Election Day. “We contribute to transparency in the electoral process,” Biedroń said, adding that the mission’s goal is to provide “a well-informed, fact-based assessment of the process.”

Local observers from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) also reported a credible process, saying GECOM officials showed professionalism and transparency. PSC Chairman Gerry Gouveia Jr. said, “We are not anticipating any large-scale civil unrest,” and noted that publishing Statements of Poll online added “a new layer of transparency” to tabulation.

While noting the overall credibility of the elections, all missions said observation continues through counting and verification. The EU and OAS both plan to issue preliminary statements once results are released, followed later by full reports.

Together, the ERC, OAS, EU and PSC assessments said polling was conducted with professionalism and order, while urging citizens to remain patient and trust official procedures as results are finalised.