The Carter Center has officially launched an international election observation mission in Guyana ahead of the country’s general and regional elections scheduled for September 1. The Center was invited to observe this year’s elections by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
A core team of four experts will arrive in Georgetown on June 30 from the United States, Georgia, and the United Kingdom. Additional electoral experts and observers will join them as the election date approaches.
Jason Calder, the Carter Center Field Office Director, stated, “We look forward to engaging with Guyanese stakeholders across the political spectrum and civil society to provide an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process. We hope our observation and reporting will help the Guyanese people assess the credibility of the elections while providing useful recommendations for reform and encouraging transparency.”
David Carroll, director of the Carter Center’s Democracy Program, emphasized the organization’s long-standing commitment to democracy in Guyana: “We are honored to launch this international election observation mission in support of the electoral process.”
The Carter Center’s election observation work adheres to the 2005 Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation. Assessments will be based on relevant national legal frameworks, as well as regional and international obligations for democratic elections. Since 1992, the Center has been actively engaged in strengthening democracy in Guyana, supporting civil society, and reinforcing the rule of law.
The Carter Center has organized over 125 election observation missions in 100 countries, including previous missions in Guyana in 1992, 2001, 2006, 2015, and 2020. Beyond election observation, the Center has facilitated various activities in Guyana, including:
Helping articulate a comprehensive vision and development strategy.
Supporting civil society groups focused on advancing the status of women, youth, and Amerindians.
Assisting judicial system reform programs in collaboration with the High Court, the chief justice, the Guyana Bar Association, and the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers.
Facilitating conflict resolution efforts to promote peace and political dialogue.
Supporting stakeholders in complying with the requirements of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
The Carter Center’s commitment to fostering democratic practices and supporting civil society continues as it prepares for its latest election observation mission in Guyana.
Other News
Missing Person Randolph Samaroo
