GECOM CEO and team have been marvellous at 2025 elections

Dear Editor,
I wish to take this special moment to say a very special thank you to the CEO of GECOM, Vishnu Persaud for the administrative skills displayed by Persaud in coordinating what I would term as a perfect election, which truly requires much appreciation and respect. An election without fraud or complications/confusion. The most professional GECOM staff imaginable anywhere.
The order and the systems set in place truly were marvellous and impeccable to the point of perfection, unheard of or unseen ever in the history of this country. The RO’s and assistants were so respectful! Most polite! Most elegant! To the point of bringing great joy to the heart. I visited many polling stations to independently observe from a distance the voting process, as I was not an authorised observer.
As it relates to persons with disabilities, I observed that the system did not cater much for persons in wheelchairs. I am proud to have noted that the CEO has accepted this reality. However, a CEO has his captains and lieutenants who should have guided him. He most positively explained that he had learnt from this experience and better preparations will be made in the future. It is my suggestion that all polling stations should be positioned on the ground floor.
Notwithstanding, when I took my aunt in Newtown, Kitty, to vote, the RO realised the situation (my aunt was in a wheelchair) and immediately put things in place, in a most polite manner, to have my aunt vote under the tent where persons are verified and authorised to enter to vote. My aunt was allowed to swear. She was advised most patiently of the procedure. She voted, and they had fulfilled all legal obligations to have her insert her ballot into the box in the presence of the observers. My aunt is 85 years old and was so happy I helped her to vote and that the GECOM officers from the gate to the point of completion of the vote were so extremely pleasant and kind.
I went to many locations and spoke to many people as they came out from their place of voting: from East Coast Demerara, Central Georgetown, and East Bank Demerara to the West Coast and West Bank Demerara. The message was always the same. They said, “Well planned, easy to vote.” When I asked them if they were briefed on what to do and where to put the X, they all said yes. Everyone I spoke to was so happy.
Everywhere I went there was no animosity amongst people of various ethnic backgrounds. We have arrived at the most beautiful period, where people could cross-vote from one party to another because of principles and from one ethnicity to another. These are things we as a people must celebrate. There are always a few who would be bitter and mischievous.
It would also be fair to recognise the Chairperson. The Most Honourable Justice Ret’d Claudette Singh and the GECOM Commissioners.
I have one pain, and that is even though the then Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, in a cloudy manner conceded to the PPP/C. He did not take my advice to let the PNCR commissioners vote unanimously, as elections were free and fair. Hence, he caused the chairperson to use her casting vote power. This is one hurdle I see in time: that a proper, most elegant opposition leader of any political entity will congratulate and concede defeat to the victor. This is one thing I hope we will overcome by the next election.
At this juncture, let us look at the development thrust that the Government of Guyana, under the leadership of H E President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, will be conducting for the betterment of one and all, in fulfilment of all the promises for a greater, better, One Guyana.

Yours sincerely,
Roshan Khan Sr