THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), on Friday, announced a formal call for local organisations and groups to apply for accreditation to serve as election observers for the General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1, 2025.

According to GECOM, this initiative is in keeping with Section 4E of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA), Chapter 1:03, and is intended to bolster transparency, credibility, and impartiality in the electoral process.

The Commission emphasised that only organisations with a proven track record and relevant expertise will be considered.

To be eligible, groups must possess familiarity with electoral laws and procedures, along with prior experience in election monitoring or related fields.

GECOM is also looking for applicants who have the interpersonal skills necessary for working in diverse and high-pressure environments, as well as the ability to remain professionally independent and impartial throughout the election process.

A demonstrated commitment to democratic principles and human rights is also considered essential.

Applications must include detailed information about the organisation or group, such as contact details, background of the group leader, a description of past relevant activities, the names and contacts of proposed observers, proof of official registration, and the specific administrative regions the group intends to observe.

GECOM has stressed that all decisions regarding the approval or denial of applications will be final. Interested organisations are required to use the official Observer Application Form, which can be accessed through the Resource Hub on GECOM’s website at www.gecom.org.gy.

Filled forms must be returned no later than Thursday, July 31, 2025, to the Chief Election Officer (CEO) at the GECOM office, 31 Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

The Commission invited competent groups to become part of this vital national exercise, stating that local observers have a significant role to play in sustaining the integrity of Guyana’s democratic process.

Election observers monitor events on polling day, make any report of malpractice, and verify that the process goes ahead in accordance with accepted standards of democracy.

Their presence serves as a powerful restraint on electoral fraud, as well as providing independent assessment helping to generate legitimacy for the result.

The September 2025 polls come at a time of heightened political interest and economic transformation in Guyana, fuelled in large part by its rapidly expanding oil and gas sector.