GECOM to request UN Needs Assessment Team ahead of 2025 elections

Following engagements with the US, British, Canadian, and European Union (ABCEU) missions, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has been advised to request a Needs Assessment Team from the United Nations (UN) to evaluate its requirements ahead of Guyana’s upcoming 2025 General and Regional elections.
This was disclosed by GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj during an interview with media outlets on Friday. Updating on matters discussed at the Commission’s meetings this week, Gunraj noted that ahead of the request for the UN team, the Commission will be looking to conduct its internal analysis to identify necessary resources and support.
“The British High Commission indicated that they will have support and assistance from the United Nations system and as a consequence they requested that we request a Needs Assessment Team from the UN to investigate and interrogate what needs we may have. The Commission has also decided to set aside a time in the not-so-distant future for our own internal discussions on what we may need in terms of resources, personnel and other support for those elections and if necessary what support we need to seek externally,” Gunraj explained.
He underscored the importance of starting these preparations early, given the extensive work that lies ahead for the electoral body.
Although the elections are approximately a year away, Gunraj emphasised the need for early action. “One may say that we are still in the early stages, but regardless of how much time we have, because of the magnitude of work that has to be done, an early start is always better to get ahead,” he remarked.
GECOM began engagements with the ABCEU countries last week regarding support for the upcoming 2025 General and Regional Elections with the aim to explore various forms of electoral assistance, including the potential deployment of observer delegations.
“One of the purposes for the early meeting is because they wanted to have that discussion now and needs assessed now so that preparations can be made adequately in advance so that as best as possible what support is necessary can be provided,” Gunraj said.
With elections due next year, GECOM has been taking steps, increasing its meeting frequency to twice a week to address critical issues identified by the Commission, including recruitment for key positions such as civic and voter education manager. This initiative aims to ensure a smooth electoral process.
“We have decided to meet more frequently so that critical matters can be addressed,” he said.
While GECOM meetings were previously scheduled for Tuesdays, the Commission now convene on Thursdays as well.
Among the vacancies being prioritised is the role of civic and voter education manager. Gunraj indicated that the commission has already begun conducting interviews for the civic and voter education manager position and plans to continue the recruitment process in the coming weeks.