–OAS Chief Observer

Guyanese across the country have thus far cast their ballots in a ‘peaceful, disciplined and orderly’ fashion with there no reports of major hiccups across polling stations, this is according to Chief Observer of the Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) of the Organization of American States (OAS), Former Prime Minister of Jamaica Bruce Golding.

Speaking to reporters at a Polling Station in Queenstown, Georgetown Golding disclosed that his team has been able to visit over 300 polling station across the country since the opening of polls at 6:00am.

He told reporters that there were no major hiccups as Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials were well equipped and professional.

“I think the people of Guyana deserve to be congratulated on the peaceful and disciplined way in which they have gone out to cast their ballots,” he said adding:

“I think certainly the polling officials who are representing GECOM also need to be congratulated on the very professional way that they have been carrying out their duties and I expect the rest of the process will attract the same kind of discipline, orderliness and professionalism.”

The OAS he said is generally satisfied with the process thus far, highlighting the professionalism of polling agents in guiding and accommodating citizens through the process.

Golding highlighted particularly priority and additionally support that was given to the differently abled and other vulnerable members of the electorate.

“I was particularly impressed I myself visited 62 of those polling stations since morning and I was particularly impressed at how professional, how well trained the polling officials appeared to b, they knew what they were doing, they were not hesitant in applying the relevant rules and guidelines.”

TABULATION

The OAS will continue its observations well into evening after the closed of polls, assessing the counting and tabulation process s countrywide, to this end, Goulding expressed optimism that both the populace and electoral officials will be able to maintain order, avoiding a repeat of the disruptive 2020 tabulation process that occurred in region four.

“I don’t anticipate a reoccurrence of that problem; there have been some amendments to the regulations regarding the tabulation process, and I expect that the tabulation will proceed smoothly.”