First-time voters join thousands as ballots cast in 2025 elections

Guyanese turned out on Monday to cast their ballots in the General and Regional Elections, with candidates, first-time voters, and observers describing the process as largely smooth, despite minor hiccups at some polling stations.
Many Guyanese who had previously considered migrating emphasised the importance of participating in this year’s election, taking the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote as residents of the country.
Among the crowds were several Guyanese who had spent years away from their homeland and only recently returned to Guyana. They seized the opportunity to vote, with one voter sharing his experience, saying he has no regrets about participating.

A middle-aged man, who chose not to be identified, shared his sentiments about being a first-time voter and fulfilling his constitutional duty.
“I’ve just returned home, and after listening to the Presidential candidates emphasise the importance of voting, I felt truly inspired. It made me realise how essential it is to take part in shaping the future of our country. Today, I took the opportunity to exercise my constitutional right and cast my vote. Every voice matters, and I wanted to ensure mine was heard,” he said.
Another first-time voter, a disabled citizen recovering from a severe injury, experienced the excitement of casting his ballot in a hassle-free environment for a say in his future.
“Honestly, I don’t even know how to describe it, but this was the first time I voted, and they treated me very quickly. They called me right away, gave me the ballot paper, and explained how to vote. They put me at the front of the line, and as soon as I reached the table, I was assisted immediately. It was a very fast and smooth process,” he shared.
Other first-time voters also expressed satisfaction with the simplicity of the process.
“Simple process, I must say. It was very good, easy, and straightforward. I didn’t go in with any expectations and felt very nervous because I didn’t know what was going to happen in the room, but it turned out to be a very good experience,” said one resident.
Another first-time voter explained that her main motivation for coming out was to gain the experience of voting first-hand.
“I really and truly wanted the experience – to go out there and see how it was. I’m happy I made the decision,” she said.
Young people were out in numbers at the polling stations, eager to participate in the democratic process.
Eighteen-year-old Aliyah Anderson described her experience as empowering.
“It felt very independent. It feels very good to know that I have the right to vote. The process was very quick and easy, and I got through smoothly,” she said.
Edon Singh, 20, of Charity, proudly cast his ballot for the first time on Monday. Singh admitted that while he felt nervous at first, the process turned out to be smooth and straightforward.
“When I entered and saw how it was, I got less nervous. Everyone was kind,” he recalled.
Singh noted that this marks the first time in his life that he has voted, calling it a historic and memorable moment.