WITH Guyana’s General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1, 2025, ranks of the Guyana Police Force in Regional Division One (Barima-Waini) have commenced election preparedness training to ensure professionalism and impartiality on polling day.

Senior Superintendent Ramana, Commander of Regional Division #1, on Friday, conducted a general muster and training sessions at the Mabaruma and Port Kaituma Police Stations, targeting officers who will be deployed to polling stations across the sub-divisions.

The training focused on the duties and responsibilities of officers tasked with maintaining law and order during the election, with emphasis on discipline, neutrality, and respect for voters’ rights. Among the areas covered were: Proper conduct and impartiality of ranks on duty; Crowd control and conflict de-escalation; Communication protocols and chain of command; Procedures for maintaining security at polling stations; Response to breaches of peace or electoral offences; Coordination with GECOM officials and other security agencies, and Human rights considerations in managing the electoral process.

Commander Ramana reminded ranks that their role on Election Day is not only to ensure security but also to uphold the democratic process by protecting the rights of every citizen. “Professionalism and impartiality are paramount,” he stressed, noting that officers must avoid even the perception of bias while carrying out their duties.

SAFEGUARDING DEMOCRACY THROUGH SECURITY

The training forms part of the wider operational readiness of the Guyana Police Force as the nation prepares for the polls. Ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections has long been a priority, particularly in regions with a history of logistical and security challenges such as Barima-Waini, which has a dispersed hinterland population and numerous riverine communities.

In past elections, the role of the Police has come under scrutiny amid tensions between political parties and concerns about electoral misconduct. By focusing on neutrality, de-escalation, and community relations, the Force is seeking to strengthen public trust in the security arrangements for the 2025 elections.

The Commander also emphasised the importance of police-community relations in maintaining order. Regional Division #1 has been rolling out initiatives to build public confidence in law enforcement, and Friday’s muster reinforced that message. “We are here to serve the people, and on Election Day, that means protecting their right to vote in peace and safety,” Ramana said.

The Guyana Police Force has indicated that similar training exercises are being conducted in other regional divisions, with hundreds of officers expected to be deployed nationwide on September 1.

The proactive preparation underscores the Government and GPF’s commitment to safeguarding Guyana’s democratic process, ensuring that every vote is cast and counted in an environment of peace, security, and respect for the rule of law.