Polling must not take place in religious spaces

Aug 21, 2025 Letters

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Dear Editor,

Sometimes one has to wonder and question exactly what is happening with the leadership at GECOM and its secretariat. The decision of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to continue using religious places of worship as polling stations is one that must be revisited if we are to strengthen confidence in our electoral process. While the convenience of space and location is often cited, the principle of neutrality in elections must always outweigh expediency.

Neutrality and Separation of Religion from State

At the heart of this issue is the question of separation between religious life and the administration of the state. Elections are the bedrock of our democracy, and they must not only be free and fair but also appear free and fair. Using mandirs, churches, or mosques for polling violates the principle of neutrality by blurring the line between the sacred and the secular. Even the perception that one religious institution is linked to the electoral process can undermine public trust in GECOM’s impartiality.

Impact on Voter Comfort and Inclusion

In a society as diverse as Guyana, inclusivity must be paramount. A Christian voter may feel uncomfortable voting in a Hindu mandir, just as a Hindu or Muslim may feel uneasy voting in a church. For persons of no faith, being compelled to cast their ballot in a religious space may also conflict with conscience. Voter comfort is not a trivial matter — when people feel alienated or pressured by the environment in which they must vote, it becomes a form of indirect disenfranchisement.

International Best Practice

Global electoral standards emphasize the importance of neutrality in polling locations. The OSCE/ODIHR Guidelines for Election Observers explicitly note that polling should take place in venues that are “accessible, neutral, and free from influence.” Similarly, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) stresses that polling places must not convey the impression of favoritism towards any political or religious group. Many democracies — including the United Kingdom, Canada, and parts of the United States — have phased out religious spaces as polling locations precisely to avoid these concerns.

Risks of Religious Symbolism

Religious spaces, by their nature, are not neutral environments. Statues, altars, scriptures, and religious symbols are intrinsic features of such places. Even if unintentional, these can create an atmosphere of psychological pressure, where voters may feel that their political choice is somehow being “watched” or measured against their religious identity. This is especially dangerous in plural societies, where religion and politics are already sensitive and sometimes volatile.

Practical Alternatives Exist

Guyana is not short of alternatives. Schools, community centres, sports halls, and government buildings offer neutral and accessible spaces that can be adapted for polling. Where such spaces are unavailable, temporary structures such as tents or mobile units can be deployed — a practice used effectively in several countries. Choosing convenience over neutrality is not acceptable when the integrity of our democracy is at stake.

Safeguarding Trust in the Electoral Process

At a time when the credibility of our elections is often questioned, GECOM has a responsibility to eliminate every practice that could give rise to doubt. Trust is the currency of democracy, and the public must never be placed in a position where they question whether religion and politics are being intertwined at the ballot box.

Religious Organizations and Politics

It is also important to recognize that in Guyana, many religious organizations and leaders have become openly political, whether by endorsing parties, hosting campaign events, or allowing pulpits to be used for partisan messages. When such institutions are then designated as polling stations, it amplifies the risk of bias, intimidation, or the perception that voting in those spaces indirectly benefits a particular political grouping. This further undermines confidence in the neutrality of the electoral process and erodes the sanctity of both religion and democracy.

For these reasons, I strongly urge GECOM to discontinue the use of mandirs, churches, and mosques as polling stations. Elections should take place in neutral, secular spaces that welcome every Guyanese equally — regardless of faith, ethnicity, or personal belief. That is how we preserve both the sanctity of our democracy and the sanctity of our places of worship.

Sincerely,
A.Rampersaud

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• electoral process, GECOM, Guyana Elections, Polling, religious, spaces

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