–37,979 persons eligible to do so in Reg. 2

ESSEQUIBIANS, particularly young people, are eager to cast their ballots in today’s highly-anticipated General and Regional Elections.

On Sunday, the atmosphere in the predominantly agricultural region, was reportedly calm. According to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the Pomeroon-Supenaam District has 135 polling stations, with 37,979 eligible voters. Of that number, 12,088 are from the Pomeroon Riverine area.

A drive around the various communities in the Cinderella County during the course of the day on Sunday revealed that many persons are excited about the elections, and based on conversations they reportedly had with drivers, residents and farmers, they are hoping to vote early.

Nineteen-year-old Yashoda Sukhdeo, who hails from Golden Fleece, is excited to vote for the first time. According to her, voting effects change in a democratic society. “It’s my democratic right, and I was just waiting on this to go and put my ‘X’,” she told the Guyana Chronicle. “I am a little nervous, but I want my vote to count. So I would ensure that I neatly mark my ‘X’,” she added.

Meanwhile, 75-year-old Baby Loaknauth, a seasoned voter, said though she is not as healthy as she was during previous elections, she intends to cast her vote early. She plans to get up very early, say her prayers, and then head out to the Polling Station to cast her vote.

Andy Jaglall, who hails from Region Two but now lives in Canada, said that given the significance of this year’s elections, he decided to return home to exercise his franchise.
Ravi Lakhan also came back from England to cast his vote. Lakhan said he secured his flight well in advance so he could be in Guyana to vote. He also ensured that his name is on the list. Lakhan, who hails from Middlesex Village, said that many young people in his area are eager to vote. “I am back home for a reason,” Lakhan said, “and I will be assisting many persons to polling stations. I want to ensure that persons get their democratic right to vote, so I will be using my vehicle to assist.”
Several political activists said they will be transporting persons to the various polling stations.