GCCI urges GECOM to improve access for persons with disabilities

While the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has praised the smooth and peaceful conduct of Guyana’s September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections, the private sector body has also called on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to take immediate steps to ensure persons with disabilities (PWDs) have easier and more dignified access to polling stations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Chamber commended the electorate for displaying “maturity and stability” during the crucial democratic exercise, which international and local observers have described as free, fair, and transparent. The GCCI also lauded GECOM for executing the voting process efficiently and without major disruptions.
However, the Chamber noted that while the process was broadly successful, significant improvements are needed to ensure inclusivity.

“The Chamber also applauds the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the execution of an efficient procedure that was without disruptions to the voting process. However, the GCCI calls on GECOM to implement systems that allow people living with disabilities to comfortably access polling stations and exercise their constitutional franchise,” the statement said.
It further recommended that GECOM undertake a stronger and more targeted voter education programme to ensure all citizens – including those who may be first-time voters or face challenges navigating the system – are properly informed about how to cast their ballots.
“The GCCI also urges GECOM to undertake a stronger and more targeted voter education programme to ensure that all segments of the population are well-informed on how to cast their ballots … The GCCI re-emphasises its call for timely and credible results and for a peaceful conclusion to GRE 2025,” it concluded.
The call adds to growing appeals from civic and private sector organisations for greater inclusivity in Guyana’s electoral process, particularly as the country seeks to strengthen democratic institutions amid rapid political and economic change.

Apology
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Monday night issued an apology to persons living with disabilities, particularly those who experienced tremendous difficulty accessing their polling stations during the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
Reports surfaced that several polling stations located on the upper flats of buildings were inaccessible to voters who use wheelchairs or have mobility challenges.
“I am very cognisant that this is an issue that we continue to face,” GECOM Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward told reporters. “What we are required to do legally, in the operationalisation or the placement of electors to polling stations within their respective divisions and subdivisions, sometimes mandates that unfortunately members of the disability community may be placed at a polling station that unavoidably does not have features such as ramps for access.”
Ward said presiding officers were instructed ahead of Election Day to provide assistance to persons with disabilities to ensure they were able to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
Despite the shortcomings, Ward reported that voting was conducted “smoothly” and “peacefully” across the country, with only limited reports of disruptions.
“For us, the voting process has proceeded smoothly and peacefully across the country. Where issues have arisen, they have been addressed promptly and transparently in accordance with the law,” she said.
Ward acknowledged complaints that voting was slow at some polling stations but maintained that official reports confirmed the process progressed in accordance with established procedures.