In any democratic society, the press plays a crucial role in upholding transparency, accountability, and safeguarding the public interest.

To maintain the integrity of journalistic practices, press associations are entrusted with the responsibility of representing the interests of journalists and maintaining ethical standards.
However, recent events surrounding the Guyana Press Association’s (GPA) elections have cast a shadow of doubt on the fairness and transparency of the process.

Of particular concern is the decision to withhold the list of voters until the day of the election, raising suspicions and undermining the principles of a free and democratic press.
Transparent elections are the cornerstone of a healthy democracy, ensuring that the will of the people is accurately reflected in the outcome.

By providing a level playing field, open electoral processes enhance confidence in the legitimacy of elected representatives and protect against undue influence or manipulation. Therefore, it is imperative that any organisation, including press associations, conduct their elections in a fair and transparent manner, upholding the principles they stand for.

The recent GPA elections were marred by a significant controversy surrounding the decision to withhold the list of voters until the day of the election.

This lack of transparency raises numerous concerns and erodes trust in the democratic process. By keeping the list of voters secret until the last moment, the GPA inadvertently created an environment susceptible to suspicion and doubts about the integrity of the electoral procedure.

Withholding the voter’s list until the day of the elections also created the opportunity for padding, as many suspect happened in the lead-up to and on the day of the elections. There were also reports of names being added to the list even after the so-called “cut off” date for membership and eligibility.

It cannot be stressed enough that transparency and accountability are vital pillars of any democratic institution. By withholding the voter’s list until the last moment, the GPA created an environment where it became difficult to verify the accuracy and legitimacy of the voting process.

This lack of transparency undermines the trust that members place in their leadership and fosters an atmosphere of suspicion and doubt.
Press associations have a critical responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity, independence, and transparency. The GPA, as a representative body of journalists, should exemplify these principles in their internal affairs, including elections.

By conducting the elections under suspicious circumstances, the association has compromised its credibility and undermined its ability to advocate for journalistic ethics and freedom of the press.

Sister associations in the region should conduct an independent inquiry to investigate the decision to withhold the voter’s list and ensure that such actions are not repeated in the future.
The experience over the past few days was reminiscent of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, which will forever be etched in the memories of its citizens as a period of great turmoil and uncertainty. The election process, intended to be a democratic exercise, turned into a harrowing experience that tested the resilience of the nation.

The prolonged delay in announcing the election results plunged Guyana into a state of political crisis. Weeks turned into months, with tension mounting and citizens anxiously awaiting the outcome. The credibility of the electoral process came under severe scrutiny as allegations of voter fraud, irregularities, and manipulation circulated.

The harrowing memories of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections serve as a reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness in electoral processes.

One would think that although the GPA was silent during the attempts by the APNU+AFC to influence the outcome of the elections, it would have learnt from this experience and work towards strengthening its democratic system.

However, it is now up to media workers to safeguard themselves and prepare from now to ensure that such tumultuous events do not repeat themselves, and the will of all stakeholders could be freely and peacefully expressed.