Carter Center hails elections as transparent but urges reforms

International observers from the Carter Center praised Guyana’s September 1 General and Regional Elections as largely transparent and professionally conducted, but called for reforms to strengthen the country’s democracy.

Speaking at a press conference, Carter Center chair Jason Carter said polling staff and party agents managed the voting process efficiently, and no significant irregularities were observed at the 234 polling stations and 17 tabulation centres monitored across the country. Social media monitoring also indicated widespread positive feedback on procedural compliance.

“Guyana is a vibrant democracy,” Carter said, noting that the pre-election period had been robust, occasionally heated, but peaceful, and reflective of citizens’ rights to political expression. The observers acknowledged persistent issues, including campaign financing, access to public information, and the potential advantages of incumbency, as challenges that could affect trust in the democratic process.

The Centre urged the new government and parliament to pursue constitutional reforms, improve campaign finance regulations, and ensure public access to information on government contracts and decision-making. Recommendations also included addressing concerns over voter lists, such as removing deceased individuals and enhancing verification systems to prevent electoral disputes.

Highlighting that elections are a “report card on a democracy” rather than democracy itself, Carter stressed the importance of strengthening institutions and civil society between elections. Observers said reforms could help ensure that Guyana’s emerging wealth benefits the population broadly and supports accountability.

The Centre’s preliminary report will be followed by a final, detailed analysis in the coming months, with recommendations on enhancing electoral processes and governance.

“The stakes are high not just for the people of Guyana, but for democracy globally,” Carter said.