GECOM: Cell phones prohibited in polling stations

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said on Tuesday it will prohibit the use of cell phones in polling stations during the September 1 General and Regional Elections, a move aimed at protecting ballot secrecy and preventing vote selling.

GECOM in a release said the ban was designed to stop voters from photographing ballots, a practice linked to illicit vote trading. The measure is grounded in the Representation of the People Act.

Under the new rules, voters will be required to turn off their phones before entering polling stations and leave them on designated tables while casting their ballots. Polling officials and accredited party agents will monitor voters to prevent any attempts to photograph ballots, though they said observation will respect voter privacy.

Voters will also have to present a national ID card, valid passport, or driver’s licence, which will be retained by the presiding officer until the ballot is cast. Any violations, including attempts to photograph ballots, will be reported to the Guyana Police Force for investigation.

GECOM warned that selling votes is a serious electoral offence punishable by a fine of $65,000 and up to six months in prison.

“The Commission urges all voters to cooperate with these new measures, which are crucial for upholding the integrity and transparency of the electoral process,” it said.