THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has taken note of a press release issued by the WIN party regarding the approval of polling agents.
GECOM, in a press statement, made it “absolutely clear” that the WIN party’s statement misrepresents the facts.
THE FACTS
GECOM said: Notwithstanding it is not a responsibility of the Commission, the Chief Election Officer sent an email on August 11, 2025 to the Election Agents of all contesting political parties reminding them that “Party Agents shall, “give notice in writing of every appointment of an assistant agent, counting agent, polling agent, and alternate polling agents, stating the name and address of the person appointed,” NO LATER THAN THE 7TH DAY BEFORE ELECTION DAY, to the Returning Officer.”
The WIN party, according to GECOM, did not comply with this requirement within the prescribed time. Their suggestion that GECOM has failed in its duty is, therefore, inaccurate and misleading.
While GECOM is strictly upholding the electoral laws as written, the Commission was prepared to consider flexibility regarding the issue of late submission, at the Commission’s Meeting on Thursday, August 28, 2025, to ensure that all contesting parties, including the WIN party, have polling agents in place. However, the discussions did not take place because of a loss of quorum.
The matter is likely to be considered at a Commission meeting on Saturday, August 30, 2025, that was scheduled by Justice of Appeal (Ret’d) Claudette Singh even before the emergence of the WIN press release.
GECOM urged all political parties to comply with the law and act responsibly in their public communications.
“Spreading misleading claims risks undermining public confidence in the electoral process, which is unacceptable at this crucial time,” GECOM said.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the General and Regional Elections on September 1, 2025 are free, fair, transparent, and credible.
GECOM said: “This is to guarantee transparency and to ensure that no doubts are cast on the credibility of the elections before polling day.”