Carter Center deploys election observers ahead of March 2 polls

The Carter Center has launched an observer mission to Guyana for the March 02 General and Regional elections, following an invitation from the government.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Center said it will observe and examine key aspects of the electoral process, including the pre-electoral environment, the status of the Guyana Elections Commission’s preparations for elections, and campaigning.

“Teams of long-term observers are currently deploying across the country and will later be joined by short-term observers and high-level leadership to observe voting, counting, and tabulation procedures,” the statement revealed.

The Carter Center will also follow the post-election process, including the tabulation of results and resolution of any legal disputes.

The international election observation mission will build upon the work done by four fact-finding delegations deployed by the Center in 2019 in the lead-up to election.

Throughout election season, The Carter Center said it will issue periodic statements on key findings and will provide an independent assessment of the electoral process and its compliance with the country’s international commitments, national law, and standards for democratic elections, at the end of the process.

The Center has launched a Twitter account especially for this election observation mission – keep up with mission statements and activities @CarterGuyanaEOM.

The Center’s election observation missions are conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, which provides guidelines for professional and impartial international election observation.

The Carter Center has worked in Guyana since 1992 to help deepen democracy, strengthen civil society, encourage sustainable development, and reinforce rule of law.

In May of 2015, the Carter Center conducted its fourth election observation mission in Guyana and 100th overall.