General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, has asserted that the only threat to free and fair elections in Guyana comes from the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNCR). At a press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo stated, “If there is ever a threat to holding free and fair elections at GECOM from anyone, it would be the PNC cabal… They sought to support rigging after the 2020 elections and are already trying to undermine preparations for the 2025 elections. They will not succeed.”
Jagdeo’s comments were in response to statements made by opposition-aligned Commissioner at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Vincent Alexander, who expressed concerns regarding the Commission’s readiness for the upcoming September 1 elections. Alexander criticized GECOM for a perceived lack of urgency in addressing key issues and noted that the Commission fails to emphasize the importance of free, fair, and transparent elections.
Jagdeo also addressed Alexander’s objections to the registration of Guyanese nationals from remote Amerindian villages. Alexander raised concerns about laws permitting Toshaos to vouch for individuals born in indigenous villages, allowing them to obtain birth certificates and register to vote. He warned that this could enable foreign nationals to exploit the system.
In response, Jagdeo clarified that these individuals are Guyanese nationals who have lived in the country their entire lives but were never registered at birth—a longstanding issue in remote communities. “When a child is born in some of these villages, the child doesn’t get registered… They are our people, not people coming from Venezuela,” he emphasized.
Jagdeo also mentioned that the number of Amerindian Guyanese eligible for registration ranges between 3,000 to 5,000, all registered from 2020 to 2025.
The PPP General Secretary expressed confidence in the electoral system and the integrity of the upcoming elections. He highlighted the involvement of international observer groups, including the U.S.-based Carter Centre, noting their critical role in ensuring fair elections. “They will make every excuse to paint a picture that the PPP/C is trying to rig the elections… We have a tough system,” he stated.
Jagdeo concluded by urging the public to disregard the claims made by opposition figures like Alexander, reaffirming his belief in a transparent electoral process as the nation approaches the September 1 polls.
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