AS Guyana approaches the crucial September 1, 2025 general elections, voters must remain vigilant against the insidious practice of vote buying that threatens to undermine our democratic foundation.

Recent warnings by seasoned politicians on the issue of voter buying are a timely reminder that financial enticements and largesse can be used to influence the electors’ vote, compromising the integrity of our election process.

Such a tradition, known worldwide as a blatant affront and outlawed in over 95 per cent of countries, is nothing more than an assault on the democratic principle that every vote must be the genuine will of the voter and not a coerced choice based on economic necessity.

The temptation to receive money or other benefits in exchange for votes is enticing, but voters should recognise that such actions sell much more than they purchase.

Persons who are purchasing votes are showing their own lack of faith that they could win based on the merits of their record and policy, essentially admitting that they cannot win fair and square.

Alleged vote purchasing in hinterland villages and coastal towns affirm that this is an issue in fact and not purely theoretic.

In place of being susceptible to short-term handouts, Guyanese voters must think well beyond superficial criteria when casting their votes. Who gets things done can trump who makes promises, and on good deeds done, commitments beget more than orations.

Voters should consider which parties have consistently delivered on their manifestos, acted with good governance, and shown genuine commitment to the country’s development and not individual wealth.

The nation is faced with complex matters, ranging from the good management of oil revenues to infrastructural needs and social inequality, which require leaders with a history of experience and integrity and not personalities that come in with bribery in pursuit of positions.

As we prepare for September 1, let us not forget that our vote is worth more than any amount of money or material bribe by desperate people.

It is your voice in shaping the future of Guyana, your investment in enjoying accountable governance, and your responsibility to future generations.

By rejecting vote buying and voting based on candidates’ experience, policies, and records, we strengthen our democracy and make sure that election winners are a true reflection of the will of our people and not others’ deepest pockets with egoistic wishes.