–Joint Services affirm ahead of Sept 1 polls
PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali has expressed confidence in the integrity and preparedness of Guyana’s Joint Services ahead of the September 1, 2025, polls, as he has been given all assurances by the various heads that they will ensure peace is maintained.
This was according to Head of State in an invited comment to the media on the sidelines of polling day activities for the Joint Services, on Friday.
He said that the Joint Services have activated their mechanisms and, for a number of weeks now, have held joint meetings.
“They have assured me that they have every system in place, they have assured me that they have the equipment, the manpower, and they have a well-laid-out system to deal with any issues if they arise,” President Ali said.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, while speaking to members of the press after casting his ballot, stated that prior to elections, the Guyana Police Force has been working with other arms of the Joint Services in relation to training.
Additionally, he said that their units are preparing with continuous training, which is still ongoing.
“We’re adequately prepared, remember Nomination Day we were quiet… we expected that this day would be quiet and similarly for the General and Regional Elections, we expect it to be quiet,” he said.
He went on to reiterate that the police are going to be prepared and will be monitoring polling activities in all regions come September 1.
Meanwhile, President Ali also expressed confidence in the preparedness of the Guyana Elections Commission while fielding questions about possible efforts to derail the process.
He said, “I think some may have the belief or they may have the desire or the genesis of what they are attempting may be very well that, but I don’t have any concerns of the stalling of elections.”
He underscored that he is confident in the readiness of national institutions, particularly the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
He said: “I think our core systems are meant to deal with these issues… GECOM has made its position clear, and we are just concentrating now on these polls.”
Over 10,000 members of Guyana’s Disciplined Services were slated to cast their ballots yesterday, some 10 days ahead of the general public.
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