THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), on Wednesday, hosted a delegation from The Carter Center for discussions on the Center’s Final Report on Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections and on opportunities for continued collaboration in promoting social cohesion and democratic governance.
The meeting, held at the ERC’s boardroom, brought together senior representatives of both organisations to review the findings and recommendations contained in the Carter Center’s election observation report and to explore ways to support their implementation.
The Carter Center delegation comprised Mr. Jason Calder, Country Director of the Center’s International Election Observation Mission, and Ms. Brett Lacy, Associate Director of the Center’s Democracy Programme. The ERC team was led by Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack and included Deputy Chairman Charles Ogle, Commissioners Ras Khafra, Chandrowtie Sarran, Neaz Subhan and Norris Witter, as well as acting Chief Executive Officer, Oma Sukhu.
In welcoming the delegation, Chairman Hack thanked The Carter Center for what he described as its longstanding contribution to strengthening democracy in Guyana since 1992 and highlighted the importance of its continued engagement with the country.
He also briefed the visitors on the ERC’s role during the 2025 electoral process, noting that the Commission engaged communities before, during and after the elections and deployed what he said was the largest contingent of local election-day observers. The chairman further outlined the ERC’s broader peacebuilding and education initiatives, including Harmony Clubs in schools and diversity, equity and inclusion training programmes across public and private sector institutions.
According to the ERC, the Carter Center delegation explained that it has been meeting with national stakeholders to discuss the findings and recommendations of its final report and to examine how the recommendations might be advanced.
The delegation reportedly commended the peaceful conduct of the 2025 elections and acknowledged the ERC’s support during its observation mission. The Carter Center also presented the Commission with a copy of its election observation handbook.
Both organisations noted what they described as a close alignment in their mandates to promote inclusivity, peaceful conduct and democratic participation.
While acknowledging that challenges and concerns remain, the ERC and The Carter Center reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, fostering national unity and maintaining co-operation in the years ahead.
