Commonwealth upbraids GECOM over last-minute decision on polling stations

The Commonwealth Elections Observation Mission (EOM) here in Guyana to monitor the General and Regional Elections has raised concerns, among other things, over the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) finalisation of polling stations mere days before polls.

This was expressed by Head of the overseas EOM, former Barbadian Prime Minister Owen Arthur, at a press conference on Wednesday, where he delivered the Mission’s preliminary findings on Guyana’s elections.
He recognised the efforts of GECOM to minimise the use of private residences as polling places through greater use of public polling locations but cited the fact that it was done in the eleventh hour.
“The group noted with considerable concern that the list of polling stations was not concluded until just two days before the election itself. This concern was reflected in the group’s briefings with most stakeholders,” Arthur contended.
Just days before Monday’s polling day, GECOM finalised the polling stations for two locations on the East Coast of Demerara, where polling places were reduced as the elections body cut down the use of private residences.
This adjustment was done after the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had raised concerns that too many voters were being cramped into some polling places.
GECOM’s move to use tents for the upcoming General and Regional Elections was in accordance with previous recommendations by observer missions to avoid the use of private buildings as polling places.
Moreover, The Commonwealth EOM also raised other issues relating to polling stations such using top floors of buildings when space in the lower flat was available.
“The group had concerns about the location of some polling stations on upper floors of schools and sports complexes, even where there appeared to be more accessible alternatives on the ground floor.  This disadvantaged the elderly and persons with disabilities, among others, who faced challenges accessing these polling units,” the Commonwealth Head stated.
He also flagged the last-minute move to have political parties sign a code of conduct facilitated by GECOM, which was done just three days before elections.
“It is unfortunate that such an important measure was concluded so close to the vote,” he contended.
Nevertheless, Arthur noted that activities on elections day at the various polling stations were orderly, transparent and largely peaceful with the professionalism displayed by polling staff. But he believes that several aspects of the polling, counting, results tabulation and transmission of results processes could be improved by clearer written instructions and illustrations for polling staff.
The group deployed members across Guyana from February 28, covering Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). They visited 275 polling stations on elections day.
In its preliminary report, the Mission highlighted that among its initial observations was the “urgent need” for constitutional and electoral reforms. This, it noted, was a key issue repeatedly raised during its interactions with stakeholders.
“…Stakeholders view [this] as a complex and multi-faceted polarisation of the nation. These divisions are reflected in the composition, structure and operations of GECOM itself. It is essential that electoral processes be fully inclusive of different political stakeholders and minority groups,” The Head of the Commonwealth Mission stated.
He also recognised the need for comprehensive reforms in the voter registration system, including legislative reform.
According to Arthur, they are aware that many recommendations from previous Commonwealth and other observer groups regarding electoral and constitutional reform, whilst not binding on Guyana, remain to be implemented.
He pointed out that when Commonwealth Heads met in London in 2018 and endorsed Revised Commonwealth Guidelines for the Conduct of Election Observation in Member Countries, they noted that “Commonwealth election observation has far greater impact and value when recommendations offered by a Commonwealth Observer Group and other observers, are addressed so as to reduce the risk of shortcomings in future elections. Ideally, there should be some form of domestic mechanism in place in each member country to review the conduct of an election and to take forward prospective reforms as required”.
Against this backdrop, Arthur encourages Guyana to create such a domestic mechanism to consider electoral and constitutional reforms, including the merits and demerits of the structure of the Guyana Electoral Commission and the electoral system itself.
“Electoral reform is a continuous process building on what has worked successfully and addressing weaknesses,” he posited.
Another concern highlighted to the Observer Mission was the delays in hearing and determination of elections petition, where are required to be filed within 28-days after the declaration of the results. It was noted that the petition filed by the PPP/C following the 2015 election is still pending before the High Court.
According to Arthur, there is also a need to revise, update and implement campaign finance laws and regulations that were highlighted to us. “The current limit on expenses ranges from GY$25,000 to GY$50,000 or the equivalent of US$125-250. This is clearly outdated. Current legislation neither makes provision for disclosure of sources of contributions nor provides effective enforcement mechanisms.  Further, no guidance on the use of state resources exists in legislation,” the Head of Mission posited.
This is the seventh consecutive elections in Guyana that The Commonwealth is observing and the current team will be providing a final report on its findings before leaving the country.