GECOM Commissioners Divided over September 1 Election Date

Gunraj: President acted within constitutional timeframe

Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) opposition-nominated commissioners have accused Chairperson Justice Claudette Singh of usurping the role of the full commission by unilaterally signalling readiness for elections to be held on September 1, 2025.

At a press conference held earlier today at Legacy House, Georgetown, Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, and Desmond Trotman said they were blindsided by President Irfaan Ali’s announcement of the election date on May 26. The commissioners claimed they had not yet agreed upon a timeline and were still reviewing a proposed September 22 date as the earliest possible option.

Alexander stated that the latest work plan, which apparently reflects readiness by September 1, was only shared with commissioners yesterday afternoon and has not yet been thoroughly examined or discussed.

“It has also been brought to our attention that the administration of GECOM has crafted a new work plan to facilitate the undertaking that the chairperson seem to have given the president,” Alexander said. “A cautionary review of that plan suggests that changes have been made to timelines… to reduce the previously estimated time-frame by 21 days.”

He noted that statutory deadlines for key electoral processes such as claims and objections and submission of candidate lists have been reduced, potentially compromising the fairness of the elections.

Alexander added that the plan jeopardises ongoing discussions about key election integrity measures, including the removal of deceased voters and the introduction of biometrics. He declared, “Election will simply be unacceptable, illegitimate and an undemocratic process.”

Commissioner Trotman also raised concerns, stating the shortened timeline could disenfranchise smaller parties.

Meanwhile, Government-nominated Commissioner Sase Gunraj met with fellow commissioners this afternoon to discuss the revised work plan. Speaking to reporters prior to the meeting, Gunraj emphasized that the president’s date falls within the constitutionally required 90-day period.

“I can’t speak for the chairman and what she would have said and what formed the basis of her advice,” he said. “But the constitution basically contemplates elections to be held in three months or ninety days… the date for setting an election is the president’s prerogative and no one else’s.”

Gunraj maintained that the three-month period was sufficient to meet legal and logistical requirements, citing constitutional precedent.

The dispute underscores ongoing tensions within the Commission as the country prepares for its next General and Regional Elections.