CARICOM: Voting conducted within GECOM’s guidelines

Chief of Mission of the CARICOM Elections Observation Mission (CEOM), Josephine Tamai, has outlined several issues and offered recommendations regarding Guyana’s 2025 electoral process.
Speaking to members of the media at the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters in Greater Georgetown on Tuesday, Tamai said that despite some inconsistencies observed, the voting procedures were generally conducted in accordance with the procedures and guidelines outlined by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
The CEOM was dispatched to Regions Three, Four, Five, Six, and Ten, where it visited a total of 324 polling stations to observe the electoral process.
On election day, the CEOM observed the electoral process, including preparations for the start of polling, the casting of votes, the closure of polling stations, the counting of ballots, the preparation of Statements of Poll, and the tabulation of results.
“The CEOM observed some inconsistencies in the positioning of voting compartments. While GECOM had presented an official layout it appeared that some polling staff may have had a different interpretation of the guidelines,” Tamai said.
She noted that the CEOM was informed these adjustments were made to prevent the photographing of ballots.
Tamai said that some polling stations not being situated on the ground floor presented a challenge for elderly and disabled voters, which is an important consideration for future planning.
She added that there was adequate police presence at polling locations, and many voters appeared early and were enthusiastic to cast their ballots.
Tamai noted, however, that there was a report of a polling station opening at 6:40 a.m. due to the late delivery of voting compartments, but this did not appear to disenfranchise any voters. She added that the CEOM is satisfied with ballot-counting procedures.
Prior to election day, the Mission held meetings with key stakeholders and other local and international observer groups.
Tamai said a primary concern raised was the perceived bloated list.
“GECOM informed that while Guyanese who reside overseas are not included in national census the law does not currently authorise the commission to remove their names from the voters’ list of electors and they retain the legal requirement to return to vote,” she said.
With regard to deceased persons’ names on the list, she said the CEOM was informed that in addition to the General Registrar’s Office, the Ministry of Health and the police are now required to provide GECOM with information on deceased persons to assist in timely removal.
She said the introduction of biometrics was also highlighted as a pressing need, while concerns were raised over the current composition of GECOM, with stakeholders suggesting that independent commissioners should also be appointed.
Tamai further noted that stakeholders reported continued difficulties in obtaining timely information from GECOM.
In response to the invitation extended to the CARICOM Secretariat to mount an Election Observation Mission to Guyana, the Caribbean Community deployed a ten-member mission to observe the electoral processes for the General and Regional Elections, from 26 August to 3 September 2025.
The ten-member mission comprised electoral officials from eight CARICOM Member States, led by the Chief Elections Officer of Belize.
Qualitative and quantitative information regarding the voting process and results will be collected to facilitate the preparation of an independent final report on the General and Regional Elections.
Tamai said the report will be handed over to the Secretary-General of CARICOM in three weeks.