THE recent signing of an Administrative Arrangement between the European Union and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, marks a significant and welcome milestone in Guyana’s march toward democratic maturity.

With the next General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1, 2025, the formal deployment of a European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) sends a powerful message, one of transparency, credibility, and commitment to democratic ideals.

This is not the first time the EU has extended its democratic oversight to Guyana. Indeed, the European Union has a consistent history of supporting the integrity of our electoral processes.
Its previous missions, including the one in 2020, provided critical insights and recommendations that informed meaningful electoral reforms.
That legacy of constructive engagement continues today, offering the Guyanese public reassurance that the upcoming elections will be held to international standards of fairness and accountability.

The 2025 elections come at a pivotal moment. Guyana’s political and economic landscapes are rapidly evolving, driven by newfound oil wealth and growing regional influence.
These elections will not only decide the nation’s leadership but also signal to the international community whether Guyana can manage its economic transformation with political stability and democratic legitimacy.
As political campaigning intensifies, so too does the potential for misinformation, political tension, and public skepticism. It is in this context that the EU’s presence as an impartial observer is not just helpful, it is vital.
The role of the EUEOM will be extensive. From scrutinising the legal framework and campaign environment to assessing voting, counting, and the announcement of results, the mission will provide an independent, evidence-based evaluation of the entire process.

Just as importantly, the mission’s final report will likely include recommendations for further improvements, suggestions that can strengthen Guyana’s electoral systems long after the last vote is cast.
Credit must be given to all parties involved in the signing of the Administrative Arrangement: EU Ambassador Rene van Nes, GECOM Chair, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Elisabeth Harper. Their collective action affirms a shared belief in democracy, not merely as a concept, but as a system that must be continuously nurtured and defended.
Let us not forget the lessons of our recent past. The 2020 elections were fraught with delays, controversy, and institutional strain. It was through legal diligence, civic activism, and international support—including from the EU—that order was restored.

The presence of the EUEOM in 2025 is therefore not just symbolic—it is a reminder that the world is watching, and that democratic legitimacy must be earned, not assumed.
Guyana has an opportunity, in 2025, to show the strength of its democratic institutions, the maturity of its electorate, and the transparency of its governance.
The European Union’s involvement is not an intrusion but an affirmation of our right to free and fair elections, of our duty to uphold democratic standards, and of our place among responsible democratic nations.
The task now falls to every stakeholder, from politicians and public servants to civil society and the media, to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted with integrity, peace, and respect. The eyes of the nation, and the world, will be on Guyana. Let us rise to the occasion.