GECOM: Illegal registration flagged, police called in

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has confirmed that a discrepancy discovered in the Revised List of Electors (RLE), currently on public display, has prompted an internal investigation and the involvement of law enforcement authorities.
The issue, which stemmed from an irregular registration transaction, was identified through internal queries and brought to the attention of the Commission.
According to GECOM, the breach occurred when an individual successfully submitted an application for a replacement ID card and a change of address using the registration details of a legitimate registrant, without that person’s knowledge or involvement.
The transaction, which violated standard procedures, was processed at the level of a registration office. Upon confirmation that the registration record had been altered unlawfully, the Chief Election Officer instructed that the changes be reversed. The replacement ID card was never issued to the impostor and remains in the Commission’s possession. It will be destroyed.
Following the discovery, GECOM held an in-person discussion with the involved registration officials. It was determined that there had been a breach of standard operating procedures and that staff who interacted with the impersonator could not provide reasonable explanations for their actions. As a result, the matter was referred to the Police to determine whether any criminal offence had been committed by the registration staff.
GECOM has publicly acknowledged that two erroneous transactions were processed at one of its registration offices. The Commission has also assured the affected registrant that, had proper procedures been followed, the error would not have occurred. An internal review is ongoing to ensure there is no recurrence of such procedural lapses.
In light of the incident, GECOM is reminding the public that the RLE remains on public display for scrutiny at two prominent locations in each registration division and sub-division, as well as on the Commission’s website, until July 29, 2025. All stakeholders are encouraged to verify their personal information, and any concerns should be reported immediately to the relevant registration office.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, GECOM emphasized that its registration processes adhere strictly to legal standards and are subject to scrutiny by representatives of parliamentary political parties. The Commission reiterated that robust mechanisms are in place to prevent errors and pledged to maintain transparency, credibility, and fairness in line with the principles of integrity and democracy.