As Guyana prepares for its General and Regional elections later this year, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali urged the country’s military to remain vigilant against any attempt to disrupt order.
“While we do not anticipate unrest or anything that is contrary to the rule of law, we must remain vigilant against any attempt to unsettle internal order.
“The Defence Force will be on standby, prepared to act if necessary to uphold stability and protect the democratic process,” President Ali said on Thursday at the opening of the Annual Officers’ Conference at Camp Ayanganna.
He, however, noted that the soldiers are free to exercise their franchise and vote as they desire. What is expected, Dr. Ali said, is that members of the disclosed forces will act professionally at all times.
“Every member of the force has a right to vote according to their conscience and as long as I am Commander-in-Chief their right will be respected. The professionalism of the military will always be upheld,” President Ali highlighted.
He also noted that elections are a fundamental pillar of democracy and the process must unfold in an environment free from intimidation, violence, or disruption. Guyana’s democracy, the Commander-in-Chief noted, depends on “free, fair and peaceful” elections.
“Our duty is to the nation, to its security and the preservation of law and order, not to any political interest,” President Ali noted.
During the last elections, which were held in 2020, there were attempts by the opposition to derail the electoral process with the help of staff from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). It took five months for Dr. Ali, and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), to get into office though they won the March 2020 elections.
The 2025 elections are scheduled for later this year.
