GUYANA showed its democratic growth on September 1, 2025, as citizens across all 10 regions voted in a smooth and orderly electoral process. From the early morning polls opening at 06:00hrs to the ongoing vote-counting, elections day, 2025, highlighted the best of Guyanese democracy.
The efficiency of the voting process was clear right from the start. Citizens reported that they finished voting in under a minute at most polling places. Many called the experience “swift and seamless.”

This efficiency was felt nationwide, with voters from Georgetown to the Corentyne coast praising how easy the process was.
Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain summed it up perfectly, mentioning that the polling staff was “very professional” and provided “lots of guidance.”
This efficiency was made possible by the careful preparation of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). With 2,790 polling stations across the country, staffed by over 11,000 trained officials, GECOM’s planning proved effective.
The commission had carried out “extensive simulations and drills to identify and address potential challenges to ensure a smooth and orderly process,” and this preparation showed throughout elections day.

The conduct of the elections received praise from several international observation missions. Bruce Golding, head of the Organization of American States (OAS) Election Observation Mission, gave a positive review after his team visited more than 340 polling stations in seven regions.

“By and large, things have been moving smoothly,” Golding said, noting that, apart from one minor issue with a missing voting screen, all polling stations opened on time.
Golding was particularly impressed by the professionalism of the election officials. “I was particularly impressed at how professional, how well trained the polling officials appeared to be. They knew what they were doing. They did not hesitate in applying the relevant rules and guidelines.”

The European Union observation mission, which deployed 50 observers across all regions, echoed this assessment.
The CARICOM Election Observation Mission, led by Chief of Mission Josephine Tamai, also played a role in the international oversight. These different missions provided crucial confirmation of the electoral process’s integrity and transparency.

As counting continues at polling stations nationwide, GECOM has kept its constitutional role as the only authority for counting and announcing election results.
Chairperson Justice Claudette Singh (Ret’d) had stated clearly, “This is a constitutional mandate, and GECOM is fully prepared to fulfil this responsibility with transparency and accuracy.”
Chief Election Officer Vishnu Persaud indicated that district declarations should be completed by September 3, with national results likely announced by September 4, unless there are requests for recounts.

GECOM has put strong systems in place for the process, including equipment sent to tabulation centres and backup plans for electricity and internet access.
GECOM’s strong warnings against the spread of fake Statements of Poll (SOPs) and unofficial results are very important.
The commission has made it “abundantly clear” that it is the only official source for election results, condemning what it called “politically motivated and highly irresponsible” attempts to spread false information.

This caution is especially vital given Guyana’s experience in 2020, when tabulation disputes in Region Four led to a lengthy electoral crisis. The changes made since then, including updates to the legal framework in 2022 aimed at improving transparency in tabulation, seem to be working as intended.

GECOM’s Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward stressed the commission’s commitment to delivering results “within the shortest possible time,” while following all legal rules.
The creation of an online gallery on GECOM’s website for posting official SOPs as they are received shows the commission’s dedication to transparency.
What emerged from September 1, 2025, was a strong example of Guyana’s democratic development.

The smooth voting process, professional behaviour of election officials, orderly actions of voters, and thorough international observation all point to a democracy that is growing and learning from past issues.

As the counting process continues under GECOM’s careful watch, Guyanese can take pride in an electoral process that has received international acclaim. It demonstrates that democracy, when properly managed and widely respected, can work as it should. The focus on official results only, supported by solid institutional safeguards, lays the groundwork for a credible outcome that all parties can accept.