๐๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ป ๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐น๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
โโฆElection day was peaceful and efficiently-run, implementing new transparency measures and recently adopted legal provisions for the first time. The campaign was competitive, with fundamental freedoms mostly respectedโฆโ
โThe GECOM Secretariat carried out technical preparations for the elections efficiently and managed logistical arrangements well..โ
โPositively, the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights (association, assembly, freedom of expression) and assures due process with access to courts for electoral disputes including challenges to results. The legal reforms in 2022, to a certain extent, streamlined the electoral laws and introduced new transparency measures for processing and transmission of results. The changes also created new procedures for corrections to a Statement of Poll, introduced time bound requests for recounts, and established substantially increased penalties for various electoral offences, including by election officialsโ.
โThe EU EOM assessed closing and counting procedures in 18 out of 19 PS observed as positive. Overall, observed PS closed on time and counting procedures were mostly followed. During the count the validity of the ballots in all PS observed was determined in a consistent manner. EU observers reported from five counts that PS staff had difficulties in filling in the Statements of Poll (SoP). Observers and party agents were able to observe without restrictions in all PS. The presiding officer publicly displayed copies of the SoP as required by law in all PS observedโ.
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ
โCarter Center observers across the country reported that polling staff, party agents, and officials from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) carried out their duties with integrity and professionalism. Their efforts deserve recognition and appreciation. All Guyanese can take pride in how election day unfoldedโ.
โOn election day, all polling stations visited by Carter Center observers opened on time in a calm atmosphere, with some voters queued in long lines to cast their votes. Our observers rated the conduct of procedures positively at every station we visited, with no significant irregularities reported. The Carter Center is aware that as the day progressed, some on social media expressed concerns about citizens of other Commonwealth countries showing up to vote. Guyanaโs electoral laws generously permit Commonwealth citizens who reside in the country for a year to register to vote in national electionsโ.
“The Carter Center notes that at the time of publication of this statement, tabulation is being finalized. GECOM is implementing a new tabulation process for these elections. Carter Center observers have assessed the process so far positively and remain deployed to observe and assess this important component of the electoral process”.
๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ข๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
โWe wish to congratulate the Guyana Elections Commission, the Chief Election Officer and all polling staff. Despite concerns raised prior to Election Day regarding a potential shortage of staff, all polling stations the team visited had a full complement of professional and courteous workers. They efficiently managed the process, even though some, including Presiding Officers, were working for the first timeโฆCongratulations are also in order for the political parties, their agents, their supporters, and all the voters for the peaceful and orderly way they conducted themselves on Election Dayโ.
โWe urge all Guyanese to remain calm, peaceful and patient while awaiting the official results of the General and Regional Elections. The relevant authorities must be allowed the space to carry out their duties thoroughly and transparently. Now, more than ever, Guyanese must stand together and put country first. Remember that the strength of the nation lies in its unity, resilience and commitment to the democratic process. The integrity of your elections is essential to the future of Guyanaโ.
The report concludes:
โIt is our view that the will of the people of Guyana will be accepted and respected. This interim statement provides an initial assessment based on the observations of our team. A final report will be submitted to the Secretary-General of CARICOM in the coming weeks, outlining our full findings and recommendationsโ.