Aubrey Norton, the Presidential Candidate and Leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has formally requested a forensic audit of the recent elections from the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), retired Justice Claudette Singh. In his letter, which was shared with the media, Norton demanded that the entire 2025 electoral process be aborted, citing “gross dereliction of duties and negligence” by the Presiding Officers appointed by GECOM.
Norton expressed concerns that the electoral integrity has been compromised, stating that the will of the Guyanese people is now in question. He highlighted several alleged failures including:
Presiding Officers not signing the Statements of Poll at polling stations.
Election Officers failing to adhere to the Representation of the People Act.
Inaccurate Statements of Poll provided to Polling Agents after ballot certification.
Incomplete SOPs for several ballot boxes.
These irregularities were reportedly brought to GECOM’s attention by the APNU’s Assistant Agent for District 4, Sub-district 4, in the presence of both local and international observers during the tabulation of results on September 2. Norton indicated that these issues formed part of the basis for the party’s request for a recount of votes in Sub-district 4 of District 4 and part of District 5.
The recount process has reportedly revealed additional issues, including biased determinations of rejected ballots and GECOM’s failure to announce the official stamp or six-digit number on each ballot paper during the recount.
Norton further claimed that serious questions have arisen regarding the integrity of the votes cast, citing allegations of tampering with ballot boxes. He referenced the recently released Report of the European Union Observer Mission, which he said supports APNU’s claims that the elections were neither free nor fair. The EU report noted that the PPP/C had an undue advantage of incumbency and highlighted a highly politicized media landscape with disproportionate coverage favoring the ruling party.
As of now, the recount for District 4’s Sub-district 4 has concluded with no significant changes to the previously announced results. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has been re-elected to office, securing the most votes in eight of the ten electoral districts, while the WIN party captured the highest number of votes in the remaining two.
The APNU has experienced a significant loss of support across the country, particularly in traditional strongholds. As the situation develops, the political landscape remains tense as both parties navigate the aftermath of the elections.
President Ali Dismisses APNU’s Call for Forensic Audit as “Absolute Nonsense”
