Private sector urges credible elections for continued economic stability

The private sector bodies across Guyana have welcomed the announcement of a date for the 2025 General and Regional Elections, highlighting the importance of a democratic and transparent electoral process to the country’s economic stability and continued development.
During his address to the nation at the 59th Independence Flag Raising ceremony at Albion, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Sunday night, President Dr Irfaan Ali had declared that the official date for this year’s General and Regional Elections will be September 1, 2025 – a decision taken after consultations with the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Retired Justice Claudette Singh.
This announcement that was widely welcomed with the Prive Sector Commission (PSC), the umbrella body for the local business community, on Tuesday underscoring the importance of having free, fair, and transparent elections in order to not only preserve democracy but also to continue fostering the ongoing development of Guyana.
The PSC, which will be deploying an Independent Electoral Observer Mission to monitor the upcoming polls, also urge all political stakeholders, state agencies, and the electorate to uphold the principles of integrity, transparency, and tolerance in the interest of national unity and democratic stability.
“Our Observer Mission will be composed of qualified and impartial individuals drawn from a broad cross-section of the private sector. The mission will monitor key aspects of the electoral process before, during, and after polling day to ensure compliance with the laws and internationally accepted standards for democratic elections. The PSC reaffirms its non-partisan stance and reiterates its commitment to supporting an environment of peace, respect, and civic responsibility throughout the electoral period,” a missive from the Commission detailed.
Meanwhile, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has echoed similar calls for all political parties to ensure that they abide by the Elections Code of Conduct and operate with respect for the rule of law and the tenets of democracy.
In a statement on Wednesday welcoming the date set for elections, the Chamber also urges the utilisation of credible and impartial officials by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and its secretariat in the conduct of the elections, as well as timely results.
The GCCI will also be mounting an observer mission for the upcoming polls.
“The Chamber also urges the utilisation of credible and impartial officials by GECOM and its secretariat in the conduct of the elections, as well as timely results… The Chamber underscores the importance of a democratic and transparent electoral process to the country’s stability and continued development, and hereby cautions political parties against the promotion of inciteful behaviour that would serve as an impediment to free and fair elections and the issuance of timely results,” the GCCI stated.
Similarly, the Region No. 5 Chamber of Industry and Commerce also confirmed that it plans to also serve as an independent observer during these elections given the significance of this exercise in the strengthening and consolidation of the country’s democratic processes.
“We firmly believe that active oversight and engagement from civil society, particularly the Private Sector, are essential components in guaranteeing a credible and transparent electoral environment… The Region No. 5 Chamber of Industry and Commerce strongly encourages our members, associates, and stakeholders to actively support and engage with this important democratic exercise. Our collective participation is fundamental to reinforcing democracy, maintaining national stability, and fostering sustainable development in Guyana,” the Region No. 5 body stated.
Moreover, as Guyana prepares for this important democratic exercise, the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc) said it stands resolutely in support of free, fair, and transparent elections.
“We urge all stakeholders, political leaders, civil society, the private sector, and citizens, to embrace the electoral process with the dignity, responsibility, and unity that have come to define the Guyanese spirit. Elections are not just about choosing leaders; they are about renewing our shared commitment to democracy, justice, and national development. A peaceful and credible electoral process will ensure that the momentum built over the past years continues to propel Guyana forward,” the R3PSInc stated.
The active participation of the local private sector in the upcoming electoral process comes on the heels of these bodies playing a crucial role during the 2020 elections when Guyana’s democracy was under threat.
The private sector stood along with other stakeholders to thwarted plans by the then A Partnership for National/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration and several GECOM officials to rig the March 2, 2020 polls and ensure democracy prevailed after a five-month impasse.