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‘Toxic campaign trail’ – ERC flagged over 100 racist online breach during elections
(Kaieteur News) – The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has reported 111 social media infractions involving racially discriminatory content during the 2025 elections period. In a report released on Sunday, the commission stated that racial slurs and prejudicial or intolerant statements accounted for the highest number of violations, with 35 and 32 cases respectively, followed by 15 instances of racially charged comments. According to the ERC, “racially divisive remarks which would primarily feature negative sentiments expressed toward the two dominant groups (Afro and Indo-Guyanese) accounted for eleven (11) infractions during the three-month period.”
The commission explained that infractions were manually tracked from public pages of media houses, social media programmes, and political party platforms. To manage the high volume of content reviewed, the ERC noted that “three in-house temporary monitors were hired to offset the volume of content that was assessed.” Comparing its findings to the previous election cycle, the ERC stated that “when compared with 2020, it was observed that thirteen (13) times, the unit observed social media infractions: one was elevated to the level of the swift Response Committee involving a post by political party ANUG (A New and United Guyana), while twelve (12) resulted in the Unit issuing cautionary warnings.”
Chief Executive Officer of ERC, Gomin Comancho
For the 2025 elections, the ERC reported that 37 cautionary warnings were issued in July and 27 in August, while 47 warnings were issued in September, marking the highest single-month total for the year. “The total figure for the pre and post-election periods was one hundred and eleven (111),” the commission confirmed.
The ERC further revealed that “the highest number of infractions was found on the News Source page with 16 infractions,” while KAMS TV recorded eight and Credible Sources seven. Among political parties, APNU accounted for four infractions, while the PPP/C recorded 11. Despite these online violations, the commission said there were “no reports of racial discrimination in political participation.” According to the ERC, “voters were treated with respect and professionalism by GECOM personnel, and ERC observers noted no disenfranchisement on racial or ethnic grounds, nor otherwise.”
Reviewing issues observed during the electoral process, the ERC stressed the need for improvements in several areas. The commission stated that improvements must be made in accessibility for persons with disabilities, standardised voter education and signage and stronger uniform procedures to ensure ballot secrecy in future elections. Although no voter with a disability was disenfranchised, “accessibility challenges persisted,” the ERC noted, recommending that GECOM establish criteria for selecting polling stations, conduct site visits, install ramps, remove obstructions, and provide suitable polling compartments. It also advised implementing “standardised protocols for polling staff.”
The ERC reported that “voter education and signage were largely effective. Clear instructions were provided on voting procedures, locating polling stations, and prohibited devices. Information clerks assisted voters effectively at most stations. Minor issues included improperly placed signage and inconsistent engagement by information clerks.” To address these issues, the commission recommended that GECOM “ensure all signage is consistently placed at eye level and clearly visible,” “maintain proactive engagement by information clerks,” and “standardise verbal instructions and public messaging to reinforce voting procedures and ballot secrecy.”
The ERC also called for enhanced public education efforts, stating that public awareness campaigns should be expanded to educate voters with disabilities about their rights and available support, including guidelines for proxy voting. The commission emphasised that addressing these issues is essential to strengthening inclusiveness and safeguarding the integrity of future elections.
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