Election 2025: GDF pledges support to Police in maintaining public safety & order

…as GAWU expresses confidence in GECOM preparedness to execute Sept 1 polls

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in maintaining public safety and order during the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections. Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, gave the assurance during a meeting with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) held at Camp Ayanganna. The engagement formed part of the PSC’s independent observer mission activities.

Brigadier Khan emphasised that the GDF remains an apolitical and professional body, fully guided by the Constitution. He noted that while the GPF holds primary responsibility for security, the GDF will provide necessary support to ensure peace and stability throughout the election period. “Our ranks are vigilant and resolute in defending Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the same time, we are working with national stakeholders to guarantee a safe and secure environment for every Guyanese during and after elections,” Brigadier Khan stated.
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has confirmed that a total of 757,690 electors are registered to cast their votes for the September 1 General and Regional Election. A regional breakdown of the official list of electors shows that District one has 24,453. District two 42,596, District three, which is divided into three sub-districts, caters to 116,876, District four, which has four sub-districts, 323,436, District five 50,796, District six, with three sub-districts, 111,554, District seven, 17,846, District eight, 9,192 and District 10, 38,460.
On August 22, some 10,481 ranks of the Disciplined Services – the GPF, GDF and Guyana Prison Services (GPS) cast their ballots ahead of the upcoming elections. As customary during any elections, members of the disciplined services are required to vote 10 days prior to the polling day so that they are available for posting at the various polling stations and other strategic locations as required by law without disenfranchising them. The ranks were facilitated for voting at 87 balloting stations across the country using ballot papers in accordance with the district that the ranks are from.

Full confidence
Speaking of GECOM’s preparedness to execute the September 1 polls, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has expressed full confidence in its ability to conduct free and fair elections in keeping with the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act (ROPA).
In a statement, the union encouraged voters to cast their ballots “early, patiently, and peacefully,” while underscoring that democracy must prevail at all costs.
“We recognise that peaceful elections, particularly the post-count transition period, must not be marred by attempts to thwart the will of the people, as in 2020. This is critical to maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that our democracy and future development as a nation are not harmed or reversed,” GAWU stressed.
The union called on all Guyanese to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation, reaffirming that the legitimacy of any Government rests squarely on the will of the people.