Open Letter to Elections Observers

Jul 30, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

Kaieteur News – Today I begin a series of letters on GECOM and its PPPC Influence. Today I examine the conduct of one of its commissioners. At a time when Guyana continues to strive for stronger democratic institutions, the behaviour and public conduct of the country’s electoral commissioners must not only be above reproach-they must be grounded in the principles of neutrality, restraint, and institutional dignity.

Sadly, recent actions and statements made by GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj violate these standards and point to a deeper crisis within the Commission itself. On Nomination Day, Mr. Gunraj took to social media with a barrage of politically charged posts, accusing members of a rival political party of “blocking roads” and using “thugs” to disrupt the proceedings. These are not the words of a commissioner acting in a neutral, oversight capacity. These are the words of a partisan actor using his position to shape public perception in real time, without the benefit of investigation, verification, or the input of the Commission as a whole.

Such conduct is not only irresponsible—it is dangerous. At a time when the public is already deeply skeptical of the electoral process, when GECOM is under constant scrutiny from all quarters, and when political tensions are high, it is reckless for any Commissioner to make unverified accusations and inflammatory statements. It further erodes confidence in the electoral body and deepens the perception that GECOM is no longer independent, but instead aligned to political interests.

But Mr. Gunraj’s troubling conduct does not stop at social media commentary. His recent statement that GECOM “lacks the mechanism” to allow incarcerated persons to vote reflects a disturbing abdication of responsibility. The Constitution of Guyana is unambiguous. Article 59 declares that every citizen of Guyana aged 18 and over has the right to vote. There is no constitutional clause that automatically strips this right from someone simply because they are incarcerated—especially those awaiting trial or serving time for non-serious offences.

Yet, GECOM, under Mr. Gunraj’s watch, has taken no meaningful step toward rectifying this disenfranchisement. Instead of leading a progressive push to expand electoral inclusion—especially for vulnerable and marginalised populations—he has retreated into the bureaucratic comfort of inaction, citing the absence of a mechanism, while sitting at the very table that has the power to create one.

Other democracies, including South Africa, Canada, and regional counterparts, have demonstrated that enabling prisoner voting is not only feasible—it is essential to upholding universal suffrage. The United Nations Human Rights Committee, under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), has ruled that blanket bans on prisoner voting are inconsistent with international democratic norms.

So where is the leadership? Where is the moral courage?

Instead of leaning into GECOM’s constitutional mandate to facilitate free, fair, and inclusive elections, Mr. Gunraj’s words and actions portray a commissioner more interested in defending political turf than defending the rights of all Guyanese citizens.
This brings us to the core of the matter: GECOM urgently needs a binding, transparent Code of Conduct for its Commissioners. A document that spells out acceptable public behavior, prohibits partisan commentary, enforces disclosure rules, and ensures Commissioners do not use their platforms to peddle political narratives under the guise of officialdom. Commissioners must be reminded that their allegiance is not to a political party—but to the people of Guyana, and the democratic system they are sworn to protect. GECOM cannot function as a legitimate body if its members continue to act like political surrogates. The Commission must hold itself to a higher standard, or it risks becoming part of the very problem it was created to prevent: the manipulation of democratic institutions for partisan gain. The time for internal reflection is over. The time for reform is now.

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