–OAS Chief of mission highlights efforts to strengthen electoral process

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has received high praise from the Organization of American States (OAS) for its ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and strengthen the electoral process.

OAS Chief of Mission, former Prime Minister of Jamaica Bruce Golding, highlighted the commission’s move to upload the Statements of Poll to its official website as a particularly notable step, saying it allows for greater public scrutiny and fosters trust in the electoral system.

To avoid a repeat of the disruptive 2020 tabulation process that occurred in region four, following the general and regional polls then, GECOM was mandated by law to publish statement of polls (SOPs) to its website, allowing for public scrutiny.

Golding commended GECOM’s commitment to openness and accountability, noting that such initiatives are vital to building confidence in democratic governance, he noted however that while the improvements are welcomed, the process will require further adjustments to ensure a less cumbersome approach in ensuring that SOPs are updated at a faster pace.

“We recognize and commend the electoral authorities for the improvement they have made to this process which supports transparency at the same time, it would be beneficial to identify ways in which the statements of poll could be published more speedily,” Goulding said on Friday night.

The mission, comprising 27 experts from 18 countries, observed the entire process from the opening to the close of polls as well as the tabulation and recount of votes that concluded this evening.

“We want to commend Guyana’s government officials and electoral authorities for their openness in inviting and facilitating the work of several international and local electoral observation missions present for the 2025 elections.This speaks volumes about the country’s commitment to and support for democracy,” Golding added.