The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has reminded employers of their legal obligation to grant time off to employees for voting in the upcoming General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1, 2025.
In a recent statement, GECOM emphasized that, regardless of work commitments or polling station locations, employers must allow their employees sufficient time to vote. According to Section 81 (1) of the Representation of the People Act, every employer is required to permit employees, except those voting by proxy, to be absent from work for a reasonable period on Election Day to facilitate voting.
GECOM further specified that there should be no deductions in pay for the time employees are away from work for this purpose, nor should there be any penalties imposed.
The commission highlighted that voting is a constitutional right and urged employees to proactively communicate with their employers to discuss the necessary time off and secure approvals in advance. Any failure by an employer to comply with this request could be considered an electoral offense.
Under the Representation of the People Act, employers who directly or indirectly refuse to grant time off or who intimidate or interfere with an elector’s right to vote may face a fine of $65,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
GECOM is encouraging all individuals to be aware of these regulations and to make the necessary arrangements to ensure their participation in the elections.
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