The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) firmly dismissed allegations on Monday evening that deceased individuals had cast ballots in the recent General and Regional Elections. Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward emphasized that all legal safeguards are in place to maintain the integrity of the voters’ list.
During the commission’s first post-poll press conference, Ward referred to these claims as “allegations” and clarified that GECOM does not possess investigative authority. “For us, the voting process has proceeded smoothly and peacefully across the country. Where issues have arisen, they have been addressed promptly and transparently, in accordance with the law,” she stated.
Ward explained that the names of deceased individuals can only be removed from the voters’ list upon submission of an official death certificate to the General Register Office. Without this documentation, the names will remain on the list until the next revision cycle. “This is a legal safeguard,” she noted, reaffirming GECOM’s commitment to adhering to legal provisions to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the voters’ list.
Concerns from residents in areas such as Foulis and Enmore, East Coast Demerara, regarding the presence of deceased names on the list were acknowledged. While Ward admitted that minor issues arose at some polling stations, she assured that they were resolved quickly and did not disrupt the overall conduct of the elections.
Attention now shifts to the tabulation and verification of results, with Ward urging the public to follow the live Statements of Poll (SoPs) gallery on GECOM’s website for updates. The commission plans to hold its next press conference on Tuesday.
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