‘LGE 2023 voting process free, fair and transparent’-ERC

See below statement issued by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC)

The Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC), having observed the voting process in five Administrative Regions at over 250 Polling Places for Local Government Elections, found it to be free, fair, transparent and conducted in an atmosphere of peace.

The Commission would like to commend Polling Day staff of the Guyana Elections Commission, (GECOM), for the professional execution of their duties and the resulting efficiency of the process. The ERC is thankful for the exemplary conduct displayed by polling agents from all sides, and police officers for their security role in ensuring smooth polling.

The Commission also takes this opportunity to commend citizens for their participation in the incident-free poll and will continue to work to the best of its ability to aid the promotion of harmony and good relations.

As the country awaits the final results, the Commission, guided by history, remains mindful that these circumstances can heighten anxieties and hopes the results will be announced within the shortest possible time, and be respected.

The ERC remains resolute that credible LGE elections is vital for the benefit of citizens and eventual transformation of communities through local democracy – in the regions, villages and towns. All stakeholders are therefore urged to work assiduously to ensure that communities are developed in the interest of the inhabitants.

The Commission wishes to state that the holding of free, fair and transparent elections is a vital tenet of democracy and for the promotion of unity and peaceful co-existence.

The ERC fielded an observer team of more than 50 members for Regions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10.