–GECOM Chair affirms; emphasises importance of peace to this process
–warns against declarations of results by stakeholders other than GECOM

The following is the full text of a statement from the Chairperson of GECOM, Justice of Appeal (Ret’d) Claudette Singh:

“Esteemed Candidates of all contesting Political Parties, the diligent voters of Guyana, our valued Local and International Observers, and members of the media.

As we stand on the eve of the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections, I, Justice of Appeal (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), wish to address you all on matters of paramount importance for the successful and peaceful conduct of these elections.

First and foremost, I appeal to all stakeholders to embrace the urgent need for peace and calm throughout this electoral process. Elections are regarded as the cornerstone of our democracy, a time for the expression of the people’s will, and this expression must occur in an atmosphere free from intimidation, misinformation, and unrest.

Every citizen, every political party, every observer, and every media house has a crucial role to play in contributing to the peaceful conduct of these elections. Let us remember that our collective commitment to peace is the bedrock upon which a credible and transparent electoral outcome will be built.

Please be assured that all systems are in place for the efficient and transparent conduct of the elections. GECOM has meticulously planned and executed every aspect of the electoral machinery, from the distribution of sensitive materials to the readiness of polling stations across the country.

Our dedicated staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that the logistical and administrative frameworks are robust and capable of handling the demands of Election Day. We have conducted extensive simulations and drills to identify and address potential challenges to ensure a smooth and orderly process for all voters.

Furthermore, I wish to emphasise that all staff working on Election Day are ordinary citizens who have expressed their willingness to serve our nation. These individuals, drawn from various communities, have undergone rigorous and comprehensive training to equip themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively and impartially.

Their commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process is commendable. I therefore urge all stakeholders to treat them with the respect and cooperation they deserve as they carry out their civic duties and responsibilities.

Finally, and unequivocally, I must state that GECOM is the only agency that is responsible for the tabulation and declaration of the results of these elections. This is a constitutional mandate, and GECOM is fully prepared to fulfill this responsibility with transparency and accuracy.

We urge all parties and individuals to respect this constitutional provision and to await the official declarations from GECOM. Any attempt to prematurely declare results or to disseminate unverified information can undermine public trust and create unnecessary tension. We are committed to a transparent tabulation process, and the results will be declared in accordance with the law.

Let us all, therefore, work together to ensure that the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections are a testament to Guyana’s democratic maturity and a beacon of peace and stability.

Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you and God Bless Guyana.

“Thank you.”