GHRA’s allegations unfounded, elections conducted properly – GECOM

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has dismissed a document reportedly issued by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) and partner organisations, which raised concerns about the integrity of the September 1 General and Regional Elections. In a statement on Tuesday, GECOM said the undated and unsigned document appeared to be aimed at undermining public confidence in the electoral process. The Commission maintained that the elections were conducted in keeping with the law and rejected insinuations of irregularities.
On the issue of inclusiveness, GECOM explained that the Official List of Electors (OLE) was prepared in accordance with legislative requirements. It noted that year-round registration has been in place since January 2023, with several Claims and Objections exercises conducted, the most recent of which was tied to the preparation of the OLE. Responding to concerns about the participation of Bangladeshi and Indian contract workers, the Commission pointed out that both countries are members of the Commonwealth. Under Guyanese law, Commonwealth citizens who are 14 years or older and resident in Guyana for at least one year by the qualifying date are eligible to be registered. Once registered, they are legally entitled to vote.
The Commission further stated that its issuance of national identification cards to Commonwealth citizens is provided for in law. It explained that the letter “C” is recorded in the nationality field on registration forms, a practice that has been in place for more than two decades. Addressing claims of “foreign voters,” GECOM stressed that all entries on the OLE met statutory requirements. It rejected the notion that non-nationals were covertly inserted into the voters’ list.
On suggestions of “voting en bloc,” GECOM clarified that there is no provision in law regulating whether voters arrive at polling stations in groups or individually. The Commission also highlighted that transparency on voter eligibility is ensured through the registration process and the publication of preliminary and revised lists of electors during Claims and Objections periods.
“It must be obvious to all concerned that there can be no assumption that GECOM might have been involved in deceitful action to facilitate voting by citizens from Bangladesh and India,” the statement said.
The Commission has urged the GHRA and other organisations to desist from making what it described as unsubstantiated claims that undermine the integrity of the electoral process.