GECOM’s transparent SoP release, tabulation process lauded

…commends legal reforms made to enhance electoral integrity

The CARICOM Elections Observer Mission (CEOM) has praised the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for its transparency in the release and tabulation of the Statements of Poll (SOPs) from the September 1 General and Regional Elections (GRE).
Chief of Mission Josephine Tamai highlighted the Commission’s efforts in ensuring a clear and accountable electoral process when she announced the Mission’s preliminary elections findings during a press conference held at the CARICOM Secretariat on Tuesday. Tamai commended the legal reforms made to enhance electoral integrity, particularly the introduction of electronic transmission and the public display of SOPs, which are key to assuring transparency.
“The CEOM commented on the legal amendments made to enhance the integrity of the population process, particularly the provision for electronic transmission and the public display of statements of polls for publication. These measures are critical for assurance of transparency and accountability,” Tamai said.
“We wish to congratulate the Guyana Elections Commission, the Chief Elections Officer and all polling staff. Despite concerns raised prior to Election Day regarding a potential shortage of staff, all polling stations visited had a full complement of professional and courteous workers who efficiently managed the process, even though some, including presiding officers, were working for the first time.”
Tamai commended polling staff for having followed established GECOM guidelines diligently, including in the post-vote counting procedures, which were conducted transparently and in the presence of party agents and observers.
“The close of poll procedures were conducted in accordance with the guidelines outlined by GECOM. Polling staff were observed to be adequately trained and consistently and impartially guided voters throughout the process,” Tamai said.
“The CEOM is satisfied that the polling staff follow the counting of ballot procedures and guidelines outlined by GECOM. After the counting process, presiding officers were responsible for transporting originally signed statements of polls to their respective district supernumerary and returning officer. The CEOM notes that the tribulation process is still ongoing.”
The Mission acknowledged the discipline shown by voters and political stakeholders throughout the election and concluded that on Election Day voters “were able to exercise their franchise in a peaceful and orderly manner without significant incident.”
“The team observed no signs of intimidation, harassment or campaigning intimidation that influenced or obstructed the democratic process. Polling day staff performed their duty in a professional manner and are to be commended. Similarly, the police maintained law and order at the stations with extreme professionalism in their interactions with electors and various political stakeholders,” Tamai noted.
The CEOM was in Guyana from August 26 to September 3, fielding a ten-member delegation of electoral officials from eight CARICOM Member States. On Election Day the delegation visited some 324 polling stations across Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and 10 and observed all aspects of the electoral process, from the opening of polls, casting of ballots, and closure to the counting and tabulation of votes.
“The observer teams arrived at the polling station prior to the opening of polls to observe the process. It was observed that there was adequate police presence at all these polling locations. Polling day staff were present, and the necessary election supplies were delivered on time, enabling the polling station to open promptly at 6AM. Many voters arrived just before the polls opened, and many appeared enthusiastic to cast their ballots,” Tamai said.
“All voters who presented themselves were able to cast their ballots. The team noted the presence of at least three polling agents in most polling stations. The required notices for electors were posted, and polling day staff diligently followed the procedures for the opening of the poll. Overall, the polling stations visited generally opened on time, and voters were able to cast their ballots in a very peaceful and orderly manner.”
Tamai urged the public to remain patient while awaiting the official results, encouraging unity and calm during the final stages of the electoral process. The CEOM’s preliminary assessment will be followed by a comprehensive final report to CARICOM’s Secretary-General in the coming weeks.