The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has firmly rejected recent media reports suggesting that members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) may be appointed as Presiding Officers for the General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1, 2025.
In a statement issued today, GECOM labeled these claims as entirely false, lacking any legal, policy, or practical foundation.
GECOM clarified that Presiding Officers are civilian functionaries appointed through a public recruitment process. Each officer is required to undergo mandatory training in accordance with the Representation of the People Act and established GECOM protocols.
“There is no provision in the electoral framework that permits military personnel, including members of the GDF, to serve as Presiding Officers or to undertake polling day responsibilities on behalf of GECOM,” the statement read.
The Commission acknowledged that while some individuals have declined offers to serve as Presiding Officers, this does not imply a complete decline of appointment. Instead, those individuals have been placed in alternative roles that they feel more comfortable occupying.
GECOM emphasized its proactive management of the recruitment program, stating that it remains on track to fill all necessary positions with trained and vetted civilians.
Any implication that military personnel would be involved in electoral roles was described as not only inaccurate but also misleading and irresponsible, especially during a critical time for maintaining public confidence and calm.
GECOM urged media outlets and public commentators to verify information with the Commission before disseminating claims that could cause confusion or alarm. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a credible, peaceful, and lawfully administered election on September 1, 2025.
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