EU Election Observer Chief presents final 2025 elections report

Nov 18, 2025 News

Kaieteur News – Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Guyana 2025, Robert Biedroń, returned to Guyana on Monday to present the Mission’s Final Report on the 2025 general and regional elections.

(From right to left) GECOM Chairperson, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, receives the European Union Election Observation Mission’s Final Report from Chief Observer Robert Biedroń.

The report was formally handed over to GECOM Chairperson, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, during their first meeting which focused on the mission’s key recommendations to strengthen future electoral processes and the possible steps toward their implementation.

According to the mission, some of the findings will also be addressed at its press conference today.

The final report outlines the EU EOM’s observations of the September 1 elections, offering detailed assessments of the electoral process, campaign activities, political rallies, and the use of social media by contesting parties. It also proposes targeted reforms to enhance transparency and credibility in future elections.

In its preliminary report, released three days after the polls, the mission cited several irregularities and highlighted that the undue advantages of incumbency created an uneven playing field during the campaign period.

While acknowledging that the campaign was inclusive and competitive with six political parties contesting nationwide and fundamental freedoms largely respected, the mission raised serious concerns about the ruling PPP/C’s use of state resources for political gain. According to the EU observers, President Irfaan Ali’s announcement of the election date on September 1 was followed by the rapid commissioning of numerous public projects, including hospitals, schools, roads, bridges, and various social support initiatives. These activities were heavily promoted and integrated into the PPP/C’s campaign efforts. The report noted that state media and government-run social media accounts were instrumentalised to amplify campaign messages, further blurring the line between the state and the ruling party.

EU observers also reported that inauguration events were dominated by PPP/C supporters dressed in party colours, featuring campaign speeches urging support for the incumbent. Concerns were raised about beneficiaries of government social programmes receiving unsolicited phone calls encouraging them to vote for the PPP/C, suggesting possible misuse of personal data. The mission further noted that several social initiatives, such as the mass promotion and bonuses for over 2,800 police officers announced on August 10, were launched just before the campaign period, with the timing raising additional concerns.

The report also highlighted instances of direct pressure on civil servants and part-time government employees, including demotions and transfers linked to perceived support for WIN candidates. Some voters reportedly refrained from openly supporting opposition parties due to fears of losing employment or social benefits. The EU EOM also underscored Guyana’s lack of campaign finance regulations, noting that there are no laws governing the use of state funding for political campaigns or defining acceptable sources and uses of political donations and expenditures. This regulatory gap, the mission said, contributes to a lack of transparency and accountability.

Additionally, the campaign period was marked by widespread allegations of direct and indirect vote-buying, particularly targeting vulnerable communities, with accusations primarily directed at PPP/C and WIN candidates. Overall, the EU EOM’s findings emphasised the need for significant reforms to ensure a more level playing field and safeguard the integrity of future elections.

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2025 elections, Elections, GECOM Chairperson, Report, Robert Biedroń

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