Over 718,000 registered to vote as GECOM decides on key issues

A total of 718,715 people are registered to vote in Guyana’s 2025 elections, but the list could see changes as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) deliberates key issues, including the use of biometrics and the removal of deceased voters.

GECOM Chairperson, Justice Claudette Singh, underscored that current laws restrict the removal of individuals from the voters’ list based solely on their absence from the country or relocation within Guyana. Speaking on Friday, she reiterated that GECOM cannot act beyond its statutory authority, citing a 2019 court ruling that prevents the removal of names.

She said the law is clear that residency is not an additional qualifying requirement for registration, as ruled by the Chief Justice.

The names currently on the list cannot be removed unless there is proof of death or disqualification,” Singh reiterated.

Biometrics and the Path Forward

The opposition has called for the introduction of electronic fingerprinting ahead of the next elections, but there has been no decision on this proposal.

Following an earlier study assessing the feasibility of biometric systems, GECOM commissioners remain divided on the next steps.

Some argue that stakeholder consultations must precede discussions on the study, while others believe internal deliberations should come first. Justice Singh, siding with the latter view, emphasised the importance of GECOM fully understanding its capabilities before engaging stakeholders.

She said the matter is sensitive, and unless GECOM determines first if it is something ti can undertake, then it would appeared uninformed and unprepared.

Discussions on the issue will resume at the Commission’s next meeting.

Preparations Underway

Despite these unresolved issues, Chief Elections Officer Vishnu Persaud confirmed that the Secretariat has started preparatory activities for the 2025 polls.

“While the Commission has not formally mandated us to begin preparations, we are aware of our responsibility to be ready,” Persaud said.

He outlined steps already in motion, including reviewing manuals for polling day staff and identifying trainers.

Removing the Deceased from the List

One area of focus is ensuring that deceased individuals are flagged in the National Register of Registrants (NRR). Persaud explained that GECOM relies on death records from the General Registrar’s Office and other agencies to update the list.

However, challenges persist. A recent report flagged 1,018 names as deceased, but the Commission has yet to agree on a methodology for verifying such cases, including for those who may have died overseas.

Persaud said the Secretariat has proposed a methodology to the Chairperson and this will need to be discussed at the level of the Commission.