The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has confirmed its readiness for the General and Regional Elections scheduled for tomorrow, with Chief Election Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud assuring the public that all preparations are in place.
At a press conference, Persaud announced that over 750,000 voters are registered across the country’s 10 electoral districts, with six political parties contesting the elections. He stated, “We, at this time, are fully prepared to conduct the General and Regional Elections tomorrow.”
According to feedback from Returning Officers, all necessary statements are set for the polls to open at 6 AM. Election materials, both sensitive and non-sensitive, have already been deployed to more than 2,700 polling stations nationwide.
“The packing of ballot boxes was completed in the presence of accredited political party agents from all contesting parties. The process was conducted according to statute and procedures in an orderly and amicable atmosphere,” Persaud noted.
Despite a last-minute request from the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to relocate more than 60 polling stations, GECOM rejected the request, stating it would be logistically challenging to implement the changes with adequate notice. The request was later revised to 12 stations but was still denied. “The conclusion was that the time available to facilitate this change was insufficient,” Persaud explained, adding that there were justifiable concerns regarding access to some of the stations.
In another development, Persaud mentioned that an undisclosed number of Presiding Officers had initially declined their positions but that the issue has now been resolved. Polling stations are fully staffed with over 11,000 trained polling day workers. “A total of 13,925 polling day staff have been trained, and 11,718 have been employed to ensure consistency, transparency, and professionalism,” he reported.
The Guyana Police Force is set to deploy approximately 8,700 officers to maintain order throughout the electoral process.
Persaud also confirmed that late applications from several political parties, including the Alliance For Change (AFC) and Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), for polling agents and observers were approved, allowing all contesting parties to monitor the electoral process. More than 500 local observers and approximately 200 international observers are accredited to enhance transparency.
As the elections approach, Persaud urged citizens to vote early and peacefully, reminding them that polls will close at 6 PM. Once the polls close, counting will begin at polling stations. The Statements of Poll (SOPs) will be handed over to Deputy Returning Officers, who will facilitate the tabulation process.
While initial expectations were for results to be declared at the regional level by September 2, Persaud indicated that due to logistical challenges, particularly in some districts, results will likely be available by the night of September 3.
PPP/C Confident Heading into the Polls: Landslide Victory Awaits.
