Democracy at risk if EU EOM recommendations on 2025 elections ignored – APNU warns

Apr 18, 2026 News

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(Kaieteur News) – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Friday warned that Guyana’s democracy is at risk should the Government of Guyana fail to heed the recommendations made by the European Union Election Observer Mission (EU EOM) on the 2025 elections.

Member of Parliament (MP) and attorney-at-law Dr. Dexter Todd told reporters on Friday that the observations made by the EU EOM are deeply concerning while noting that its recommendations ought to be implemented well ahead of the next elections which are due in 2030.

“The European Union Election Observer Mission report makes it clear that our electoral environment is affected by serious structural weaknesses that, if left unaddressed, will continue to erode public trust and weaken democracy in Guyana. This is not something that can be brushed aside or politicised. It requires action, and it requires action now,” Dr. Todd said.

In November 2025, EU EOM’s Chief Observer Robert Biedroń, in presenting the final report at the Pegasus Suites, said there is need for the Constitution Reform Commission (CRC) has a legal mandate to consult on and propose electoral reforms.

“Therefore, we recommend enhancing the prospects for key electoral reform through necessary electoral expertise as part of a robust CRC operational framework…” he said.

Biedroń explained that in absence of an active CRC, the country cannot adopt clear and comprehensive campaign rules.

“In those elections, we saw how the line between State and party was often blurred. For example, public projects inauguration or government social programmes were used in ways that clearly supported one party. State vehicles were observed transporting supporters to campaign events. Government social media channels supported PPP/C campaigns. Clear and forcible rules for how public officials use State resources and government communication can be used in election period… We therefore recommend adopting clear and comprehensive campaign rules…,” the Chief Observer said.

The 21-member CRC was legislated in 2022 and formed in 2024 to engage in public consultations including on electoral matters. Notwithstanding, its work was delayed due to logistical and financial challenges.

On Friday, Dr. Todd reminded that among the issues identified was the use of State resources and the unfair advantage it presents. He reminded that the lines between political campaigning and government have been blurred dangerously as State platforms, public projects and government influence are being used in ways to benefit the ruling party.

Dr. Todd reminded that the misuse of State resources is wrong since the public purse belongs to the citizens of Guyana and not to any political organisation. As a result, APNU is calling on the government to implement the EU EOM recommendations with specific attention to the use of State assets for campaign purposes.

“The issue of campaign finance is equally alarming. The current system is outdated, ineffective, and lacks any meaningful enforcement. Spending limits are unrealistic, oversight is weak, and transparency is virtually non-existent. This creates an environment where influence can be bought, where accountability is avoided, and where the playing field is tilted.

APNU is calling for the urgent establishment of an independent body to oversee campaign financing, along with modern legislation that ensures full disclosure of political funding and spending. The Guyanese people deserve to know who is financing political power and how that power is being sustained,” Dr. Todd stressed.

The attorney noted too that immediate attention should be paid to the media environment, noting that all political parties ought to have access to the State media which is funded by taxpayers’ dollars.

He said too that the State media have been operating unfairly and unbalanced adding that instead of being used to serve all citizens, it has been used disproportionately to benefit the ruling party while limiting the visibility of others.

APNU posited that by restricting access to balanced information, the democratic process is undermined. As a result, the party is calling for binding rules that will guarantee equitable airtime and fair access for all political parties on the State-owned platforms.

Further, relative to electoral reform Dr. Todd said that the need for meaningful constitutional and electoral reform cannot be overstated. He reminded the media that a Constitutional Reform Commission exists, but there has been slow progress.

“Let us be clear, these are not abstract ideas or distant recommendations. These are practical, necessary actions that can be taken now to improve governance and restore confidence in our democratic institutions. If the Government chooses not to act, then it must also accept responsibility for the continued erosion of trust and fairness in our system.

APNU will continue to stand firm in demanding accountability, transparency, and reform. We will continue to advocate for a system that serve all Guyanese, not just a few. Democracy is not the property of any government, it is the right of the people, and it must be protected at all costs,” the MP added.

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• 2025 elections, APNU, Dexter Todd, EU EOM

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