ERC logs 29 cases in 2025 elections, marking sharp drop from 2020

Guyana’s Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) recorded 29 cases during the 2025 election-monitoring period, down sharply from 124 in 2020, the Commission said on Thursday as it handed over its Elections Observation Report to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The ERC said the decline stemmed from improved transparency and efficiency at GECOM, including amendments to the Representation of the People Act that mandated electronic posting of Statements of Poll and introduced stronger penalties for obstruction or interference. The reforms, it added, helped reduce ethnic tension, misinformation and instability around the polls.

The report, delivered to GECOM Chair Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh at the Commission’s Georgetown headquarters, found that the 2025 elections were conducted peacefully, professionally and in compliance with national law. It said voters of all ethnic groups cast ballots freely and without intimidation, discrimination or obstruction. Minor issues involving ballot-compartment placement and signage did not affect the credibility of the process, the ERC noted.

Election Day on September 1 was described as orderly, calm and free of tension, with GECOM commended for administering procedures effectively.

ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack, Deputy Chairman Charles Ogle, Commissioners Neaz Subhan and Krishn Sharma, and CEO Gomin Camacho represented the body at the handover. GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer Vishnu Persaud was also present.

The ERC thanked political parties, observers, the security services and the electorate, and said it remained committed to supporting peaceful and inclusive elections in Guyana.