Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud announced on Monday that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has confirmed the authenticity of photos showing actual ballots that were posted online during the voting of the Disciplined Forces last Friday. However, the origin of these images remains unknown.
“We have not been able to determine how, where, or when that was taken, but they are photos of actual ballots,” Persaud stated in a press briefing.
While acknowledging the authenticity of the photographs, Persaud emphasized that their appearance does not compromise the integrity of the electoral process. “At the level of the Secretariat, we have operated at the highest and most optimal level to ensure compliance with statutory requirements, the policy decisions of the Commission, and internal best practices,” he said.
Persaud reminded the public that GECOM had already implemented restrictions on the use of mobile phones in polling stations to deter vote buying and prevent electors from photographing their ballots. He noted, “It is considered illegal, and one can be prosecuted, fined, and even imprisoned if found guilty.”
The restriction was reportedly effective during the Disciplined Forces voting, with no complaints from stakeholders regarding its enforcement. However, the circulating photographs indicate a potential breach of this rule. When asked if GECOM would investigate further, Persaud responded cautiously, stating, “This is something I will undertake to interrogate to examine if we can go in that direction.”
On the arrangement of voting compartments, Persaud explained that GECOM is not solely responsible for preventing unauthorized mobile phone use, and stakeholders also play a role in maintaining order at polling places. He acknowledged concerns regarding some compartments not being positioned for optimal observation by party agents but reaffirmed, “The operation of the polling station is for GECOM. Those rules are for GECOM.”
To clarify the setup of voting compartments, GECOM will provide a pictorial guide for stakeholders to ensure proper arrangements.
Additionally, Persaud addressed reports of electors finding their names on the online voters’ list but not at their polling stations. He clarified that several polling places can exist at the same site, and voters’ lists are not singular, which may lead to confusion.
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