–CARICOM observer mission reports
–commends GECOM’s effective management of polling day

THE Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Election Observer Mission (CEOM) to Guyana’s 2025 general and regional elections has reported an incident-free polling day on September 1.
The mission’s chief observer, Josephine Tamai, told reporters at a Tuesday press briefing that the group of electoral experts from across the region visited over 300 polling stations, observing the day’s proceedings from the opening and closing of polls, as well as the tabulation process.
“The CEOM is of the view that on election day, voters were able to exercise their franchise in a peaceful and orderly manner without significant incident,” Tamai said.
“Despite prior reports, while engaging with stakeholders ahead of the September 1 polls, there were no signs of intimidation, harassment or campaigning intended to influence or obstruct the democratic process.
“Polling staff performed their duties in a professional manner and are to be commended. Similarly, the police maintained law and order at the polling stations with extreme professionalism in their interactions with electors and various political stakeholders,” she added.

STATEMENT OF POLLS
Tamai said the mission also took note of efforts to enhance transparency in the electoral process, particularly through the introduction of the electronic transmission and public display of Statements of Poll (SoPs).

By law, GECOM is now mandated to upload all SoPs on their online platform for public viewing and access.
This new measure was implemented, thereby avoiding a repeat of the disruptive 2020 tabulation process that occurred in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).
She said: “The CEOM is satisfied that the polling-day staff followed the counting ballots of procedures and guidelines outlined by GECOM. The COEM commends GECOM on the legal amendments made to enhance integrity of the tabulation process, particularly the provision for electronic transmission and the public display of statement[s] of polls for verification; these measures are critical for ensuring transparency and accountability.”

Tabulations of the SoPs are still ongoing and according to Tamai, the process has thus far been smooth.
The mission, which comprised experts from eight member states, conducted extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including political leaders, civil society, and other international observers.

They deployed teams to 324 polling stations across 10 regions, noting adequate police presence, efficient polling staff, and peaceful voting
The team will be departing Guyana today and will present a full report to the CARICOM Secretary General at a later date.