Latest update March 27th, 2026 12:40 AM
Photo of ballot shared on social media raises concerns about GECOM’s efforts to safeguard secrecy of the vote
PRO of GECOM, Yolanda Ward speaking to reporters outside a polling site in Friday
Kaieteur News – A photograph purported to show how a member of the Guyana Police Force voted has raised concerns about the mechanism in place by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to protect the secrecy of the ballots and eliminate the possibility of vote selling among the electorate.
The issue was raised after a member of the joint services voted, posted a photograph of it on social media; the post which was shared several times. GECOM had taken a decision to have voters lodge their phones as a measure to ensure they are not used to photograph their ballots.
The decision was aimed at protecting the sanctity and secrecy of the ballot; particularly to address existing concerns regarding the potential for vote selling that is directly linked to photographing of ballots. The prohibition on cell phone use and the penalties for vote selling are rooted in the Representation of the People Act, Cap. 1:03.
Opposition-nominated GECOM commissioner, Vincent Alexander noted that while the commission announced that the use of cell phones at voting sites is prohibited, polling day staff for the joint services on Friday failed to enforce the rule.
Alexander suggested that the commission made an oversight in introducing the mechanism.
“There were public notices placed at the sites telling people that they should turn off the phones when they enter the polling station, but the staff, based on my observation, I didn’t witness any polling station expect for one telling the people that they needed to place their phones on the tables outside the polling booths before they vote. So, I can tell you that the staff was not enforcing this measure.”
“They didn’t put in place what I believe would have been a better option that was lodging the phones before entering the booth so now we have these issues,” the commissioner relayed.
When contacted, GECOM’s PRO Yolanda Ward said she believes the mechanism is sufficient.
“There is a table side of the voting compartment for people to lodge their phones and then place their ballots. We are not going to pad search anyone. The rule is simple and anyone violates knows that it is a breach of the law and it has consequences,” Ms Ward said.
The ballot that was posted on social media by a police rank
In addition to the photograph which was shared, party agents for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Friday raised objection how voting compartments were position which did not allow them to observe if a voter is attempting to use his/her phone to take a photo of his/her ballot.
Party leader, Aubrey Norton said his party will be taking legal action against the officer who posted his ballot.
GECOM had warned that in the event a voter is observed attempting to photograph his/her ballot, staff and/or party agents will immediately raise an alarm to prevent the action. “Any voter observed taking a photograph of his/her ballot paper will result in a formal note being made of the incident, and a report will be immediately submitted to the Guyana Police Force for investigation.
A designated desk or table will be placed next to each voting compartment where voters will be instructed to place their cell phones before using the voting compartment to cast their vote. This will provide a visible location for phones, by all concerned, during the voting process,” the statement read.
According to GECOM, it is imperative to understand that the selling of a vote constitutes a serious electoral offence which carries significant penalties. “Offenders found guilty of selling their vote are liable to a fine of sixty-five thousand Guyana Dollars (G$65,000) and imprisonment for a term of six (6) months.
The commission urges all voters to cooperate with the new measures, specifically because they are crucial for upholding the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. GECOM is committed to upholding the principles of free and fair elections and will take all necessary steps to prosecute those who attempt to undermine the democratic process.”
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