Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has issued a serious warning about a looming “digital wave of vile untruths” aimed at young voters in the final weeks of Guyana’s election campaign.
This is not just campaign talk; it highlights how modern democracy is being used against us through our screens. With three weeks left until polling day, Guyana is at the centre of a concerning global trend where truth often becomes the first casualty of political ambition.

Jagdeo’s concerns are valid. Social media manipulation is now documented in 48 countries. Political parties are increasingly using automated strategies to create false consensus, sway public opinion, and undermine democratic processes.

What makes Guyana’s situation especially worrisome is how these tactics focus on young voters—a group that relies heavily on social media for political news. Over 40 per cent of Americans aged 18-29 get their news mostly from social media, which has significant implications for Guyana’s digitally-connected youth.
Jagdeo also warned about opposition forces using “so-called influencers to spread the vilest things.” This understanding of modern electoral battles shows how sophisticated these tactics have become.

Since 2010, political actors worldwide have spent over half a billion dollars on psychological operations and public opinion manipulation via social media. These campaigns often take advantage of messaging apps like WhatsApp, which are particularly common in the Global South, making them especially relevant to Guyana.

GECOM’s recent warning about misinformation indicates that these threats are real and already emerging. When election commissions feel the need to issue public advisories about fake news and disinformation campaigns that “pose a significant threat to public trust, the electoral process, and the democratic fabric of the nation,” we must take this situation seriously.

The focus should be on enhancing media literacy, improving fact-checking systems, and nurturing a political culture where truth matters more than a strategic win.
As September 1 approaches, Guyanese democracy faces a crucial test that goes beyond merely counting votes.

The question is whether political leaders will view digital threats as chances for democratic education or as tools to perpetuate misinformation. The outcome will not only decide the election winner but also shape whether Guyana has a democracy strong enough to weather future digital challenges.