–hails voting day process as smooth, orderly

THE highly-anticipated Election Day 2025 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) was calm, with the process described as smooth and orderly.

Thousands of electors turned up at the various polling stations early to cast their ballots. Joining them were Head of State President Dr. Irfaan Ali and First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali.

Speaking to members of the media following his vote, the President emphasised that he is confident in his party’s return to office, urging all Guyanese to exercise their constitutional right and cast their ballots.

Speaking moments after voting at the Leonora Technical Institute, the President described the 2025 campaign as positive, issue-driven, and anchored in the ruling party’s track record. “It’s early in the day, but we did everything to plan a fantastic campaign. We ran a very positive campaign; one based on trust, commitment, and unity,” Ali told reporters outside his polling station. “Now the final part of this journey; the victory, is for all our supporters to come out and ensure they cast their vote.”

President Ali said his party’s confidence stemmed from the reception on the campaign trail and extensive planning leading up to Election Day, adding, “The numbers speak for themselves.”

Looking at voter turnout across the region, Guyanese of all walks of life, from Parika to Wales came out to support their party, with many praising the process for how easy it was, noting the cooperation of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and emphasising the atmosphere of peace, calm, and respect.

Azeez Khan, a security guard from the community of Patentia, said the voting process for him went without a hitch. Describing his experience, Khan stated, “I just voted, and voting was very smooth. Everybody was cooperative.” Encouraging others to participate, he added, “I tell everyone to come out and vote for your own party choice. It’s your right.”

Basdeo Lilmohan on Monday voted for the second time in his community of Vergenoegen. Sharing his sentiments on the process, Lilmohan stated, “I came out to vote because it’s my duty. It wasn’t hard, and it was good.” He, too, used the opportunity to urge others to take part in the voting process, emphasising the importance of voting for the country and the party they believe in.

Dhankumarie Dasrat, a resident of Hyde Park, Parika, said she was motivated by civic responsibility. “It’s right for us to come out and vote as long as you’re 18 years and over. The process was very fast here,” she said. Urging fellow Guyanese to follow suit, she added, “It’s their right, so they should come out.”

Naturalised Guyanese Julio Ceaser, originally from Cuba, highlighted the significance of the elections for national progress. “I decided to come to vote today to continue the progress of our country. I invite everybody to make the best decision; the most wise, and the right [one].” Ceaser, who has been living in Guyana for more than a decade, told fellow Guyanese to be confident in their choice, and not be influenced by anything other than progress, Manifestos, and track records. “Don’t get influenced by nothing; just by the heart. This is for the best,” he said.

Voting at the Patentia Secondary School also drew praise, with Patentia mother and resident Omawattie Khan highlighting the efficiency of election workers. “The process here was very, very smooth. It was an in-and-out process. All the agents, the GECOM workers, everybody was very cooperative,” she said. Moreover, she emphasised that voting is a personal but necessary choice. “It’s your choice to vote for whoever you want, but I voted my choice,” she added.

Oswald Chandle has been a resident of Parika for nearly 40 years, and has been an avid voter. This year, however, Chandle said the process was better, and noticeably improved compared to previous election cycles. Noting improvements in the process, he stated, “This is the first time I’ve voted here, and I feel the process is different now. It’s going smooth and nice.”

Also speaking to the efficiency of the process and GECOM staff was Vergenoegen voter Roger Wilson. Wilson, who faced a minor hurdle without an ID card, said he was quickly allowed to vote after taking an oath of identification. “It was very easy. Within five minutes, I’m in and out.”

Appealing to his fellow young Guyanese, he added, “I believe that all young people should come out and cast their ballot in these elections. It doesn’t matter which political party you affiliate yourself with. Just come out and exercise your democratic right to vote.”

At the Parika Salem Secondary School, father of two Thakur Narine said he made it a point to cast his ballot early in the morning. Walking to the polling station with his children, he described the experience as straightforward. “This year’s process was smooth,” Narine said, adding that setting an example for his children was part of his decision to vote early.

A total of 116,876 persons were registered to vote in Region Three. With calm polling stations, and a steady flow of voters, election officials and residents alike hailed the process across the region as smooth, orderly, and reflective of a vibrant democracy in action.