UNDP supports GECOM’s participation in technical cooperation mission to Ecuador

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its Electoral Support Project in Guyana and Ecuador, supported a technical cooperation mission aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The mission took place in Ecuador, from November 13 to 18, 2025.

According to the UNDP, the visit enabled senior GECOM officials to engage directly with their counterparts at the Consejo Nacional Electoral del Ecuador (CNE) during the country’s national referendum on November 17, 2025. This engagement offered valuable, first-hand exposure to electoral processes in real time and created space for in-depth exchange on effective practices in electoral management. The GECOM delegation included the Chief Elections Officer, Vishnu Persaud, and four senior personnel. This South–South cooperation initiative, the UNDP said, supports the modernisation and strengthening of GECOM’s institutional capacity in key areas, including electoral operations, logistics, civic and voter education, disability inclusion, and results transmission.
As electoral systems evolve globally, modernisation of voter registration, information systems, polling procedures, and accountability frameworks has become increasingly critical. Technical exchanges such as this ensure that electoral authorities have access to state-of-the-art expertise and sound management practices. The cooperation between Guyana and Ecuador directly contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By facilitating the sharing of practical knowledge and fostering institutional development, the mission reinforces broader efforts to promote peaceful, transparent, and inclusive electoral processes in Guyana.