Biometrics should be implemented early for next elections – Commonwealth Observer Mission recommends

Sep 04, 2025 News

---

Kaieteur News – The Commonwealth observer mission of the 2025 General and Regional Elections said has recommended that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) adopt biometric technology early for the next election cycle.

At a press conference held on Wednesday at the Aiden by Best Western Hotel, the mission presented its interim report on the observations made prior and during the 2025 elections, as the final report will not be ready for approximately another three months.

Chairman, Fekitamoeloa Katoa Utoikamanu, said the group has noted that in response to complaints about the non-adoption of biometric verification technology, which could assist with voter identity, GECOM has said it is facing “technical, legislative, and administrative challenges”. She claimed that these challenges have rendered the commission unable to employ biometric verification for voters in the 2025 elections.

In this regard she advised, “We recommend that early in the new election cycle, consideration be again given to the adoption of this technology.”

The chair highlighted that the data from the 2022 census is yet to be published and some stakeholders have suggested that the availability of this data may have contributed to improving perceptions of transparency in the electoral system.

“The group is encouraged by the efforts by GECOM in the last month to improve its communication, supported also by the UNDP and others, and recommends further strengthening its engagement with all stakeholders,” Utoikamanu said.

There have been several complaints from new political parties of what they perceived to be delays or refusal of permission to host campaign events outside of Georgetown. The group was also informed of allegations of intimidation of “public sector workers, local business owners, members of civil society groups, and community members who reportedly fear losing employment or economic opportunities if they fail to demonstrate support for a particular party.”

Also, in the interim report, the observers noted that while coverage was provided across the various forms of media available in Guyana; there were concerns regarding the disproportionate coverage of the governing party by the state media. In an effort to remedy this situation for future elections, they are recommending that legislation be put in place to provide equitable access for all candidates and political parties for all media.

“We also note with concern that some members of the private media reportedly self-censored for fear of victimisation. Both political parties leveraged social media platforms. The group was informed that the demo parties, at times with limited access to some traditional media, depended heavily on online campaigns,” Utoikamanu said.

To remedy this, the delegation has recommended that measures be taken to foster greater inclusion as well as support for smaller parties, and the new-comers to enable them to have better participation in the electoral process. While it acknowledges the adoption of a media code of conduct being used in past elections, to foster good media practices, the Commonwealth delegation is recommending that relevant media stakeholders be consulted to draft future consultations.

Additionally, it was also recommended that GECOM has more regular interactions with the media.

The mission also raised concerns about the alleged use of state resources for elections campaign. The group also found that Guyana’s campaign financing rules are outdated and unenforced. This led to the recommendation for reform of the rules of campaign financing to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Reflecting on its observation of the proceedings on and before elections day, the mission relayed that it was a relatively peaceful atmosphere. Polling staff largely adhered to the stipulated procedures, with the inclusion of showing empty ballot boxes to the party agents and observers before the opening of the polls.

“The general environment of the election day was peaceful, with polling generally opening on time. Though polling procedures were largely respected, in some cases there were minor inconsistencies in their application by polling staff. The group commends GECOM for providing an information desk, materials, and signage in and around polling stations that generally were very effective in guiding voters,” the chair reported.

However, it is recommended that there be greater consistency in the education of signage across the polling stations including those related to the identification of polling staff.
“We found that in general, the public displayed a good understanding of the electoral process and that the presiding officers clearly explained procedures as required. GECOM staff and polling staff were courteous and hospitable,” the chair added.

The staff was described as professional, diligent and courteous in managing cases of challenges with valid reconciliation. The procedures for conducting the count ensured trust in the process and the staff as well as agents were allowed to vote, she said.

---

• biometric, Commonwealth, Elections, GECOM, observers

---