EU observers dispatched across Guyana ahead of Monday’s E-Day
As citizens gear up for the upcoming elections, approximately 50 observers from the European Union (EU) have been deployed across Guyana as part of an effort to ensure transparency, neutrality and adherence to international standards.
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) for the September 1 General and Regional Elections has dispatched 20 short-term observers (STOs) and 14 long-term observers (LTOs) across all ten administrative regions to monitor the electoral process. The observers will oversee key aspects of election day, including the opening of polling stations, voting, the counting of ballots and the tabulation of results. The short-term observers will be stationed in towns and villages across all regions of Guyana, and operate in multinational teams of two.
Chief Observer Robert Biedroń (centre) speaks to the press, flanked by Deputy Chief Observer Vania Anguelova (left) and Legal Analyst Colm Fahy (right)
Prior to deployment, they completed extensive briefings covering election day procedures, voting and counting protocols and relevant national and international standards. This was announced by the EU EOM’s Chief Observer during a press briefing held Friday morning.
“I want to especially welcome our 20 short-term observers who just recently arrived. Welcome, everyone. They will do excellent work in the field—I know—because they represent the crème de la crème of our short-term observers.”
As preparations continue, he noted that some of the long-term observers are already out in the field.
“We also deployed 14 long-term observers, who will work alongside our short-term observers in all regions of Guyana. The long-term observers are already in the field, working hard to monitor what’s happening. They are attending campaign rallies, meeting stakeholders, engaging with the media, and talking to citizens. They gather observations because we are here to observe and document the entire electoral process.” While emphasising their thorough preparation, the Chief Observer made it clear that their role is solely to observe—not to interfere.
“Our goal is to observe, not to intervene. I know it’s very tempting for many of you, especially journalists, to ask us difficult questions, but we are here to observe. We are not interfering at any stage of these elections.”
Chief Observer, Deputy Chief Observer, short-term observers and other members of the EU EOM team at Friday’s deployment
He added that the team is well-prepared, equipped with a methodology that allows them to conduct in-depth assessments. In addition to on-the-ground observation, the EU team is monitoring both traditional media and social media activity, led by specialised members of the core team. He stressed that they are observing closely not only in the capital but also throughout the country.
“You can be assured that this observation—like all EU missions—will meet the highest standards, including those that Guyana and other countries have signed on to, with support from the United Nations. We follow international and regional obligations, as well as national legislation. We are operating under a robust legal framework.” He also announced that the EU EOM will present a preliminary report two days after the elections, based on first-hand observations. This will be followed by a comprehensive final report, which will include detailed findings and recommendations for improving future electoral processes.
The EU EOM was deployed at the invitation of the Government of Guyana. The Chief Observer will present the mission’s preliminary findings at a press conference two days after the elections.
