…offenders could face fines, jail time, disqualification from future polls
As Guyana prepares for the General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1, 2025, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is urging all stakeholders to uphold their statutory and civic responsibilities to ensure the polls are conducted in a free, fair, transparent and credible manner.
In a public statement issued Monday, the Commission strongly emphasised the importance of compliance with key provisions of the Representation of the People Act (Cap. 1:03), which outlines several electoral offences and penalties aimed at preserving the integrity of the voting process.
Among the provisions highlighted, GECOM reminded voters and political actors alike that it is a criminal offence for any individual—including the voter—to disclose to anyone the political party for which they or another person have voted, whether on their own behalf or as a proxy; any attempt to coerce or influence a voter into displaying their marked ballot or revealing their vote is similarly prohibited and offering money, gifts or loans to voters in exchange for their vote is strictly illegal.
The Commission cautioned that any individual found guilty of these offences is liable to a fine and imprisonment of up to six months upon summary conviction. In addition, convicted individuals may be barred from participating in future elections.
GECOM’s reminder comes as Guyana is weeks away from the September 1 elections. The Commission is also urging all voters, parties and other actors involved in the elections to familiarise themselves with the legal requirements and to act in accordance with the law.
