FOLLOWING approval by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as a local observer for Guyana’s March 2, General and Regional Elections, non-governmental organisation (NGO) Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG) has trained 50 domestic observers to monitor pre-election political activities and Election Day activities.

In a statement, the organisation noted that it will be deploying observers in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10.

“These persons were all screened for non-partisanship and signed Declaration of Global Principles for Nonpartisan Election Observation and Monitoring. YCG will cover the campaigns and other political activities for the period leading up to Election Day to observe whether the rights and liberties of all Guyanese are upheld,” the statement informed.

The organisation further noted, “Domestic observer groups that are able to monitor their own elections, are an essential part of democratic development. In this regard, domestic observation is vital for the transparency and ownership of the electoral process in addition to the activities of the political party agents. YCG is pleased to support this democratic process on behalf of all Guyanese.”

Established in 1989, YCG is a NGO that creates opportunities for youths and communities to effect positive local social change, strengthened by global partnerships, supporting the development of youth in areas of health, education, life skills and livelihood. The organisation is currently headed by Executive Director, Dmitri Nicholson, and headquartered at Lot G Enachu Street, Section ‘K’ Campbellville, Georgetown.

YCG said that it has begun holding meetings with election officials, supporters of the various political parties, civil society, international missions and other stakeholders.

YCG will be among a number of local and international observers of the elections. Aside from YCG, locally, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) also applied to be observers for the elections, while local groups which have shown interest include Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Guyana (AmCham Guyana).

Last week Tueday, a team of 14 European Union (EU) observers was deployed for long-term observation of the elections. The Mission also has a core team of eight EU election analysts that will stay in the country until the completion of the electoral process, while an additional 20 short-term observers will be here for the election week.

Aside from the EU, among the international observers will be a team of experts from the Carter Center

Guyanese across the country are set to cast their votes for the political parties of their choice at the over 2500 polling stations that will be made available by GECOM to do so on Elections day.

Some nine political parties have qualified and will be contesting the country’s general elections, which will decide on the allocation of seats in the National Assembly as well as which party will form the government.

A total of 11 parties will be contesting in the Regional Elections, which will decide on the allocation of seats in the 10 Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs).

On polling day, observers will follow the voting, counting and tabulation processes.  Upon the completion of the elections a statement will be made about the initial findings of the observers.