– recommends further improvements to democratic, legal systems
THE European Union’s Election Observation Mission (EU EUOM) to Guyana’s regional and general elections has reported a ‘peaceful, inclusive, and efficient’ polling day in Guyana, following the hosting of elections on Monday, September 1.

Chief Observer, Robert Biedron, during a Wednesday news briefing, told reporters that polling day was peaceful and orderly despite a highly polarised political landscape.
“Guyana held its general and regional elections in a peaceful and orderly manner; voters queued passionately. Polling stations opened on time and polling staff carried out their duties professionally and effectively. At the same time, the elections took place in the highly polarised and evolving political landscape against the backdrop of extra potential oil revenue growth,” Biedron said.

He stressed that fundamental freedoms were respected as Guyanese cast their ballots.
Biedron noted that while amendments were introduced in 2022, following the country’s last general polls in March 2020, further reform is needed to reduce political influence and strengthen citizens’ trust and confidence in the electoral process.

“I want to stress that the campaign was peaceful and competitive, with six political parties providing voters with a genuine choice. Fundamental freedoms were generally respected,” he said.
He commended the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) management of polling, highlighting the professionalism of staff.

The mission deployed 50 observers from EU member states and Norway to over 200 polling stations across the country.
“Polling stations opened on time, and the polls were efficiently managed. Measures such as restricting mobile phones inside polling stations were implemented to enhance integrity. Polling day activities, including the opening and closing of polls, were observed. The mission remains on the ground as tabulation of statement of polls (SOPs) from several regions continues,” the chief observer noted.

The European Union Election Observation Mission will remain in Guyana to observe the remaining stages of the electoral process.
“Voters showed dedication and made their electoral choices in a calm and peaceful manner. All observers noted the professionalism of polling staff, mostly women, facilitating the process efficiently across towns and villages of Guyana. Overall, the 2025 general and regional elections in Guyana were peaceful, inclusive, and efficiently organised, offering citizens meaningful choices.”

A final report, including recommendations for strengthening electoral integrity, will be issued in the coming weeks to contribute to Guyana’s democratic reform process.
“Addressing these challenges is crucial. Citizens need to trust their own matters and that the process is fair and transparent. Strong, independent institutions, a vibrant media, civil society, organisations, and clear legal frameworks are essential to safeguard democracy in Guyana,” Biedron said.

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has been present in Guyana since July 23 following an invitation from the government of Guyana.
The final evaluation of the elections will partly rely on how the remaining stages of the process are conducted, especially the tabulation of results and the management of any complaints or appeals that may arise after election day.