The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has taken a major step forward in preparing for the upcoming General and Regional Elections scheduled for later this year. In a press release issued on Tuesday, GECOM confirmed it has approved 19 of the 22 symbols submitted by political parties seeking to participate in the highly anticipated elections.
According to the Commission, although most of the proposed symbols have been accepted, the remaining three are still under review with minor modifications pending. These adjustments are expected to be small and will be communicated directly to the relevant political parties to ensure timely updates. GECOM emphasized that it remains dedicated to providing support and guidance to ensure that the final versions of these symbols meet the required standards and do not conflict with existing submissions.
The Commission clarified that, although it initially received a total of 24 symbols from various political parties and independent groups, two of these entities have since decided to join the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) alliance. As a result of this political merger, the symbols of these two parties are now included under the APNU banner and are no longer considered separate entries.
This development is viewed as a strategic move by APNU as it continues to strengthen support ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive election. Political analysts indicate that the alignment of smaller parties with major coalitions like APNU could be part of a larger trend of political consolidation intended to boost electoral influence and improve representation in both the National Assembly and Regional Democratic Councils.
GECOM took the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to transparency, fairness, and ongoing engagement with all political parties involved in the 2025 electoral process. The Commission emphasized its readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that all parties are well-prepared for Nomination Day, which is officially scheduled for July 14, 2025.
On Nomination Day, each political party or coalition is expected to submit its official list of candidates along with supporting documents and confirmed symbols. This is a vital stage in the electoral process, as it establishes the groundwork for campaigning and voter engagement leading up to Election Day.
GECOM’s role in vetting party symbols is a crucial part of the electoral process, aimed at preventing confusion among voters, especially in a country with high political diversity and many competing groups. Approving unique and recognizable symbols ensures that voters—regardless of literacy level or language proficiency—can easily identify their chosen party on the ballot.
As part of its broader mandate, GECOM has also committed to increasing voter education efforts in the coming weeks, especially as the country prepares for a larger electoral contest that may include new parties, independents, and youth-led political movements.
In conclusion, the Commission reaffirmed that its decisions on symbol approval are based on fairness and legal compliance, aiming to promote a free, fair, and credible electoral process. GECOM urged all political parties to follow the guidelines established by the Commission and to keep open lines of communication to ensure a smooth and inclusive democratic process.
With only days left before Nomination Day, the political climate is growing more intense, and the finalization of party symbols marks a key milestone as Guyana approaches what is expected to be one of the most closely watched elections in recent history.