Latest update April 5th, 2025 5:50 AM
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High turnout on East Bank
Initial reports along the East Bank Demerara yesterday, suggested that voter 
turnout was among the highest in the last two decades.
Both local and international observers were also indicating smooth polls with voters turning out in numbers very early.
Some of the voters turned up as early as 05:00hrs waiting for the 06:00hrs opening of the polling stations.
According to Kate Wilkinson, head of the Commonwealth observer mission, as of midday yesterday, the process appeared very organized and “very calm” with people excited about voting. The voting also seemed free and fair.
At Diamond, observers from Canada and the Carter Centre were seen.
From Friendship to Peters Hall, officials were reporting in excess of 70 percent turnout at 13:00 hrs.
In some cases, some polling stations in Herstelling were reporting up to 80 percent turnout.
There were minor problems including voters turning up at the wrong station or staying in the wrong lines.
There was heavy police presence with even community policing groups in the mix of things.
With shops closed, for the most part, the roads were virtually empty too.
There seems to be heavy enthusiasm also of families with babies and many scenes of senior citizens being lifted or pushed on wheel chairs.
Yesterday’s early elections, the fifth since People’s Progressive Party/Civic entered the government in 1992, is being described as the toughest one for the incumbent.
This is because the main political parties formed a coalition and campaigned on anti-corruption issues.
Results, expected to start filtering in late last night, are not expected to be announced officially until tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the police yesterday announced that it has called on the army to help them with patrols during the elections period, as a result of reports of intimidation.
“As a result of expressions of intimidation by members of the electorate, coupled with few incidents in Georgetown, the Commissioner of Police has called on the Chief of Staff for the support of Guyana Defence Force troops in the conduct of Joint GDF/GPF Patrols,” the police said in a statement.
The police said that the army Chief of Staff has consented and patrols were likely to commence.
”The Joint Patrols are intended for the sole purpose of building confidence.’
Yesterday also, the police said that shortly after midday at Alness Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice, they found it blocked with a derelict vehicle, pieces of wood and other debris.
“Police ranks cleared the blockage and there is a free flow of traffic. Police patrols are monitoring the situation.”
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