Latest update August 20th, 2026 12:07 AM
Time to end GECOM’s two-party grip – Carter Center tells Govt.
…presses constitutional reform to end political gridlock
(Kaieteur News) – The U.S-based Carter Center is urging the Government of Guyana to resolve the ongoing impasse over the composition of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and move ahead with amendments to the Constitutional Reform Act to ensure greater inclusivity among parliamentary political parties.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the organisation said that following a series of stakeholder meetings held in Georgetown in June, it is calling on relevant authorities to implement recommendations outlined in its final report on Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections.
“The Carter Center notes with considerable concern the current impasse surrounding the composition of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Without a fully functioning commission, GECOM will be unable to organise local government elections by the statutory deadline this year and will be unable to implement reforms to strengthen electoral processes in adequate time before Guyana’s next General and Regional Elections,” the organisation said.
The center said it welcomed comments made by Attorney General Anil Nandlall following the elections, acknowledging the need to amend the Constitutional Reform Act (2022) to reflect the current configuration of parliamentary political parties.
The organisation said the recommendation was included in its final report and urged the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Constitutional Reform to act as quickly as possible.
“The Carter Center has long championed the need for constitutional reform to ensure Guyana’s electoral system and institutions better serve its people. It is critical that this process be appropriately inclusive and representative,” the statement added.
During its visit, the Carter Centre delegation met with President Dr. Irfaan Ali and members of his Cabinet, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, as well as representatives from opposition parties, GECOM, the Constitutional Reform Commission, the Ethnic Relations Commission, private sector bodies, civil society, citizens engaged in electoral reform and members of the international community.
The discussions focused on strengthening Guyana’s democratic institutions and advancing several priority areas identified in the Center’s final report.
These included reforms to election management bodies, the introduction of comprehensive campaign finance legislation, improving the media environment, expanding civil society participation and enhancing transparency and public confidence in the voters’ list.
“The Carter Center encourages the continued engagement of the many Guyanese stakeholders committed to advancing these recommendations and strengthening democratic governance,” the organisation said.
The center also acknowledged that the reform process is continuing as the nation mourns the loss of lives following the sinking of the MV Barima.
“The Carter Center extends its deepest sympathies to the
Guyanese people and offers our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones in this tragedy. May the nation find comfort, strength, and unity as it honors those who perished,” the statement said.
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Hopefully. Our Sitting Government would heed and implement the recommendation set out by the Carter’s Center so we can move on in The preparation of our upcoming local government elections without fail, it’s Time. A step in the right direction now it’s in the Government’s court. And we all as citizens hope there will not be More delays or inconveniences for the process to begin and function in it’s entirity.