GECOM CEO: Everything in place for crucial elections today

Sep 01, 2025 News

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Kaieteur News – After months of preparation, deliberation and addressing various issues, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Sunday reaffirmed its full readiness for the General and Regional Elections scheduled for today.

Speaking at a press conference, Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud stated that all sensitive materials have been successfully distributed to polling stations across the country. He confirmed that all polling agents have been approved and polling staff have been employed and trained, including presiding officers, in preparation for the day’s events.

“We at this time are fully prepared to conduct the General and Regional Elections. This position is supported by feedback we ask for and received from our returning officers, and even today (Sunday), confirming that everything is in place for the conduct of these elections,” Persaud said.

The CEO also announced that all political polling agents have been officially approved by GECOM to be present at polling stations.

“A special statutory meeting was convened, and requests were unanimously approved in the interest of fairness, transparency, and to ensure the integrity of the process,” he said.

Persaud further noted that all political parties concerned, including the Alliance For Change (AFC), We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), and the Assembly of Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), were informed via email regarding the approval of their polling agents, despite having submitted their lists after GECOM’s official deadline. He urged those parties to proceed swiftly with the accreditation process for both agents and candidates through their respective returning officers, given the limited timeframe.

Regarding the readiness of polling stations, Persaud confirmed that ballot boxes were packed in the presence of accredited party agents from all contesting parties.

“The process was conducted according to statute and procedures, in an orderly and amicable atmosphere, involving political stakeholders, again involving the political stakeholders reflecting the spirit of corporation among GECOM and its stakeholders,” he noted.

He added that materials, including ballot boxes and ballots, have been pre-positioned and distributed across the country in a timely manner.

“Trucks have left the GECOM compound over the past few days, ballot boxes, ballots and others supplies have been prepositioned across the country to be distributed within adequate time for the opening of polls at 6:00 a.m. poll,” Persaud stated.

He also confirmed that in hinterland and riverine areas, election materials were transported by air and river under strict security arrangements involving both the Guyana Police Force and party representatives.

On staffing, Persaud announced that a total of 13,925 polling day staff have been trained, with 11,118 employed and properly assigned to their respective polling stations. “These staff members have been trained to uphold consistency, transparency, and professionalism in executing their duties,” he affirmed. Additionally, addressing concerns about the availability of presiding officers at polling stations, Persaud firmly stated that GECOM is fully staffed and faces no shortages.

“We have no void of presiding officers or any other officers. Especially, we have not been, and will not be, in communication with the Guyana Defence Force pertaining to providing any assistance,” he affirmed.

To maintain peace and order during the electoral process, Persaud disclosed that approximately 8,700 police officers have been deployed across the country for election day and the period following. Additionally, Persaud noted that the process will be observed by 500 local and 200 international observers, further reinforcing transparency and credibility.

Accredited party agents, candidates, and observers will also be actively involved throughout the process.

As the country heads to the polls, Persaud encouraged all citizens to participate actively. “Recognising that every vote counts and every voter’s participation strengthens our democracy, we strongly encourage all citizens to go early, cast their vote peacefully, and respect the electoral process throughout the day,” he said.

The CEO also is urging all political parties and civil society organization to appeal to their supporters, constituents to desist from attempting in any way “to thwart the successful conduct of this election.” He said, “We affirm our commitment to deliver, free, fair, and credible elections.”

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• Elections, GECOM, polling stations, Vishnu Persaud, voting, We Invest in Nationhood

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