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Ballot boxes from Regions 4, 8 allegedly arrived at GECOM without seals – WIN officials
…Police, Commission warn against unauthorised filming of recent process
Some of the ballot boxes without the parties’ seals
Kaieteur News – Officials of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party have uncovered ballot boxes without seals and have alleged tampering of the election materials. But the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has pushed back against the claims, saying the current recount exercise is being done transparently and warned against the unauthorised filming of materials and the recount exercise.
The issue of the unsealed boxes from Region Four and Eight was brought to light during a live video recording by Ms. Haddiyyah Mohamed sister of WIN Presidential candidate Azruddin Mohamed during yesterday’s recount exercise at GECOM’s headquarters in Kingston. “Why are they running to cover the boxes and pack them away, showing that they were tampered with? Why are they running and hiding it away now,” Ms. Mohamed commented on the recording.
She added: “Our seals have been tampered with and that is consistent with all of the boxes here of Region 4. The seals are ripped which means it is tampered with. We are seeing large inconsistencies throughout the recount. All 25 stations there are inconsistencies occurring at each table. It is inconsistent with a lot of things for instances we seeing on multiple instances where PPP ballots are in envelopes with WIN ballots. We are seeing that regional ballots are mixed up with the general ballots so the envelopes that have general marking have regional ballots in it.”
Unauthorised filming
Meanwhile, in a press release in response to the video recording GECOM said it condemns what it described as the “unauthorised filming and subsequent dissemination of misleading information by Ms. Haddiyyah Mohamed, sister of the We Invest in Nationhood Party Presidential Candidate.” GECOM said Ms. Mohamed, while present within the GECOM compound during the ongoing recount of ballots cast in Sub-District 4 of District 4, filmed ballot boxes awaiting recount and subsequently uploaded the video to her Facebook page, accompanied by unsubstantiated claims of tampering. “This act represents a serious breach of established protocols and a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of the electoral process,” GECOM said.
GECOM emphasised that all individuals present within its facilities during the recount process are subject to strict rules of conduct designed to ensure transparency, security, and the prevention of any actions that could compromise the recount’s credibility. “Unauthorised filming of sensitive electoral materials, such as ballot boxes, is expressly prohibited. Such actions not only violate the sanctity of the recount environment but also create an avenue for the spread of misinformation and baseless accusations, which can erode public trust in the democratic process,” GECOM said.
The commission reiterates that the recount process is being conducted with the utmost transparency and adherence to established legal frameworks, with representatives from all political parties and accredited observers present to monitor every step. “GECOM calls on Ms. Mohamed, and indeed all concerned parties, to immediately cease and desist from such irresponsible and inflammatory acts. The Commission urges all stakeholders to refrain from disseminating unverified information that could incite public unrest or cast undue doubt on the legitimate electoral process.”
According to GECOM, the recount exercise is progressing smoothly with minimal interruption and the involvement of accredited Election Agents from all the political parties. “GECOM remains committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, and credible recount and will take all necessary measures to protect the integrity of the process and the security of electoral materials. Any further attempts to disrupt or discredit the recount will be met with appropriate action in accordance with the laws of Guyana. The public is encouraged to rely on official statements from GECOM and accredited news sources for accurate information regarding the recount,” the statement concluded.
Desist
For its part, the Guyana Police Force weighing in on the matter said it is aware of recent social media content and public statements being circulated by political actors and influencers alleging ballot box tampering during the ongoing recount process. “We wish to remind the public that the recount is being conducted under tight security and in full accordance with the laws of Guyana. The process has been peaceful, orderly, and transparent, with representatives from all political parties and accredited observers present,” the police said. “The GPF strongly condemns the spread of misinformation and irresponsible commentary which seeks to inflame public sentiment or disrupt the integrity of the electoral process. This is especially reckless during a time when stability, lawfulness, and trust in our institutions are critical.”
The police urge all stakeholders to refrain from publishing or amplifying unverified claims, particularly on social media. “Any attempt to incite panic, undermine public order, or provoke unrest will be met with swift and appropriate action under the laws of Guyana. The Guyana Police Force remains fully committed to maintaining peace and security and will continue working closely with the Guyana Elections Commission and all relevant authorities throughout the completion of the electoral process,” the statement read.
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Why is GECOM not addressing the matter at hand? Namely, that some of the ballot boxes had broken seals. Why were the seals broken? Who removed them?
Instead, it is focusing on the irrelevant issue of illegal photography and inciting mischief mongering. The police are using threats to silence genuine concerns about contamination of the sealed ballot boxes.
A picture is worth a thousand words. After the boxes were sealed, the seals should have remained intact! SMH!