The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Monday evening firmly rejected allegations that deceased persons had cast ballots in the country’s General and Regional Elections, stressing that all legal safeguards remain in place to protect the integrity of the voters’ list.

Speaking at the commission’s first post-poll press conference, Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward underscored that such reports are “allegations” and reminded that GECOM does not have investigative authority.

“For us, the voting process has proceeded smoothly and peacefully across the country. Where issues have arisen, they have been addressed promptly and transparently, in accordance with the law,” Ward stated.

She clarified that names of deceased individuals can only be removed from the voters’ list once an official death certificate is submitted to the General Register Office. Without this documentation, the names remain until the next revision cycle.

“This is a legal safeguard,” Ward explained, noting that GECOM adheres strictly to the provisions of the law to ensure the list’s accuracy and credibility.

Ward also addressed public concerns raised in communities such as Foulis and Enmore, East Coast Demerara, where residents highlighted that deceased names still appeared on the list.

While acknowledging that minor issues arose at some polling stations, Ward assured they were quickly resolved and did not disrupt the overall conduct of elections.

She said the commission’s attention now shifts to the tabulation and verification of results, urging the public to follow the live Statements of Poll (SoPs) gallery on GECOM’s website for updates.
GECOM will host its next press conference on Tuesday.