THE Commonwealth Observer Group has reported that from its assessment, all aspects of the opening of polls, voting and counting of results were conducted to a high standard, and for this the polling staff and GECOM are to be commended.Chairman of the Commonwealth Group, Kate Wilkinson said polling stations opened on time, were appropriately laid out and were supplied with adequate materials.

“The need to protect the secrecy of the ballot was clearly well thought-out, and the layout of most polling stations more than adequately provided for it.

“Polling staff appeared to be knowledgeable, methodical and diligent in following the laid out voting and vote counting procedure. We saw a high number of all-female polling staff teams. Political party agents and domestic observers appeared to be satisfied with the transparency of the process at all of its stages,” Wilkinson told reporters at a press briefing at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown, yesterday.

She said it was evident that polling officials were ready to assist elderly and disabled voters, but the location and layout of polling stations were in several cases not designed to facilitate those with limited or different physical or other needs.

“Security presence at polling stations appeared to be adequate and non-intrusive. The preparedness of the police and defence forces to maintain peace throughout is to be commended,” Wilkinson noted.

But it was pointed out that the portraits of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Education were in full and prominent view in a significant number of primary and nursery schools that served as polling stations.

In most instances, polling staff were not aware of instructions from GECOM to cover or remove them, Wilkinson said.

Isolated incidents

It was also observed by the Observer Group that isolated incidents of unrest took place across the country on Election Day, including an incident at the St Sidwell School polling station, which was responsibly contained by the leadership of a contesting political alliance, the police and polling staff.

“We note that the legal framework sufficiently provides for the conduct of credible elections, and key stakeholders appear to have confidence in GECOM’s ability to manage the administrative aspects of the elections process,” Wilkinson related.

From the Commonwealth Group’s observation, polling officials appeared to be adequately trained to undertake their duties on Elections Day and were sufficiently familiar with their responsibilities.

Concerns were raised about the margin of increase in the Voters’ Register since the last General and Regional Elections in 2011.

“We noted the official response by GECOM. This issue did not result in any political party or alliance abstaining from participating in the election,” Wilkinson said.

The group also observed a competitive and lively election campaign environment in the country. Large public rallies were held and were well attended. Election campaign materials were seen displayed across the country.

It noted the concerns raised about the inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks by elements of political leadership during the campaign period.

This was especially disappointing, the group said, pointing out that it violated the voluntary code of conduct agreed by political parties, which is aimed at guarding against malicious and confrontational campaigning.

Allegations of vote buying

“We note with concern a number of allegations of direct vote buying and the misuse of state resources to induce voters,” Wilkinson also reported.

It was clear to the observer group that Guyana has an active media sector, and this election period was extensively reported in print and on TV, radio and online.

The role of social media in this campaign, including social networking sites and blogs, appears to have increased in comparison to the last election, the Group observed.

“The Media Monitoring Unit has highlighted incidents of biased reporting. We note the domination of state owned media. We are concerned about the lack of fair access to all parties. These issues are especially concerning considering the fact that all major media outlets are also signatories to a code of conduct which binds them to balanced, fair and accurate coverage in election periods,” Wilkinson said.

Meanwhile, Wilkinson said the smooth transmission of Statements of Polls to returning officers and the Chief Election Officer is vital to the timely announcement of results.

“We urge political parties, citizens and other stakeholders to continue to display the admirable restraint and patience they have so far exercised as they wait for the official results from GECOM.

“Before our departure from Georgetown on 17 May, we will prepare a final report of our detailed findings and assessment on these National and Regional Elections. Our report will contain a set of recommendations that will improve Guyana’s electoral processes.”

The Commonwealth, if requested, will provide the technical expertise required to implement these recommendations, Wilkinson said, adding that: “We urge Guyana’s authorities to seriously consider them and to commit to their implementation.”

The report of the Commonwealth Observer Group will be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary General, who will in turn release it to GECOM, political parties, Commonwealth governments, and ultimately the public.

The Commonwealth team was deployed to six of the 10 regions. Prior to Election Day, team members met election officials, members of the police, other observer groups, and members of the public to understand election preparations in these areas.

By Tajeram Mohabir