Polling activities carried out in orderly, peaceful, transparent manner – ERC

…as 20 ERC observers deployed for Disciplined Services voting

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has reported that the Disciplined Services voting, held on Friday ahead of Guyana’s September 1 General and Regional Elections, was conducted in a calm, transparent and professional manner.
In keeping with its constitutional mandate, the ERC deployed twenty accredited Local Observers across all ten Administrative Regions to monitor the special ballot. Members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Guyana Prison Service (GPS) were among those who cast their votes.
Led by its Chairman and Commissioners, the ERC’s observer teams visited polling stations at thirty-five locations nationwide.
“The ERC observed that polling day activities were carried out in an orderly, peaceful and transparent manner. Election officials demonstrated professionalism throughout as members of the Disciplined Services exercised their franchise without incident. The Commission commends the disciplined and cooperative approach of the Officers and recognises the efforts of electoral officials in ensuring efficiency, integrity and smooth conduct of the process,” an ERC release said.
As preparations continue for the national polls on September 1, the ERC announced that it will expand its deployment of observers across the country.
The body also urged all Guyanese to respect the constitutional rights of their fellow citizens, exercise tolerance and maintain peace during the election period.
Reaffirming its commitment to fairness and transparency, the ERC underscored that its role as a Local Observer Group is to safeguard integrity in the electoral process – principles it described as “essential pillars for sustaining peace and harmony in society.” The Commission calls on all Guyanese to respect the constitutional rights of their fellow citizens, demonstrate tolerance and contribute to an atmosphere of peace and unity during this crucial period. The ERC reaffirms its commitment to its role as a Local Observer Group, dedicated to monitoring the electoral process to ensure fairness, transparency and integrity essential pillars for sustaining peace and harmony in society.
Some 10,481 ranks of the Disciplined Services – the GPF, GDF, and GPS cast their ballots on Friday. As is during any elections, members of the Disciplined Services are required to vote 10 days prior to the polling day so that they are available for posting at the various polling stations and other strategic locations as required by law without disenfranchising them.
Ranks who do not vote on D-Day will still have the opportunity to vote in their respective district as per normal on Election Day.