THE Carter Center’s clear statement that no evidence of manipulation tainted Guyana’s Official List of Electors means much more than just a technical assessment.
It serves as a strong sign of the country’s democratic growth after the troubling electoral crisis of 2020.
When Mission Leader Jason Carter said, “Guyana should be very proud of its elections and of its democracy,” he recognised not only procedural competence but also the nation’s impressive ability to renew its institutions and remain resilient in democracy.

This validation is especially important, given the Center’s difficult experience in 2020. At the time, it had to declare the Region Four results “not credible”, and ultimately withdrew its mission amid chaos and attempted manipulation.

The difference is striking. While 2020 faced spreadsheet manipulations and blatant efforts to undermine the people’s will, the experience in 2025 highlighted transparency, professionalism, and respect for legal frameworks.

The Online posting of official Statements of Poll, the smooth running of 2,790 polling stations, and the orderly behaviour of both voters and election officials show a democratic system that has truly learned from its darkest moments.

Carter’s point that “there are some persistent issues that have undermined trust between the parties” should not be taken lightly.
The opposition commissioners’ walkout from GECOM meetings earlier this year mirrored the destructive patterns that nearly destroyed Guyana’s democracy in 2020. However, the fact that this obstruction did not disrupt the electoral process shows the strength of the protections put in place since then.

These include the updated laws from the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act and stricter penalties for electoral wrongdoing.
The 97 per cent compliance rate in tabulation procedures, reported by Carter Center observers, reflects not only technical skill, but also a real change in the institutional culture.
When Justice Claudette Singh said there would be no repeat of the 2020 “saga”, she was offering more than just a promise. She was expressing a new institutional mindset that values democratic legitimacy over party advantage.

Carter’s call for ongoing constitutional reform should not be considered empty rhetoric. Guyana’s oil-driven prosperity makes these reforms urgent, not optional.
As Carter explained, the country faces an important question: “Whether it will be a rich country full of poor people, or whether it will be a rich country that is based on a democracy that does not leave people out.”

The Constitution Reform Commission set up during the last parliament presents a way to tackle the underlying issues that foster mistrust between parties, such as GECOM’s controversial 3-3-1 structure, and the excessive powers of the Chief Elections Officer.

The successful administration of the 2025 elections, backed by international observers and free from major irregularities, shows that Guyana has the institutional ability for credible democracy. Now it must show the political determination to carry out the constitutional reforms needed to secure these achievements for the long term.