Forward Guyana takes GECOM to court over alleged exclusion from ballots in hinterland regions

The Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) has filed legal action in the High Court against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), challenging what it describes as the unlawful exclusion of duly approved political parties from ballots in several regions ahead of the September 1 general and regional elections.

The fixed date application, filed under Part 56 of the Civil Procedure Rules, seeks constitutional relief on the grounds that the omission violates Articles 59, 149, and 160 of the Constitution, as well as provisions of the Representation of the People Act (ROPA).

The new political party is headed by former APNU+AFC member and Parliamentarian, Amanza Walton-Desir; they have since coalesced with the Assembly of Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) party.

The affidavit alleged that FGM and the ALP have been left off ballots in Regions Seven, Eight, and Nine, while the ALP has also been excluded in Regions One and Two. Both parties contend that they had satisfied all legal requirements to contest the elections.

The application argues that the omission deprives voters in those regions of their constitutional right to choose among all approved national lists freely. The plaintiff, Krystal Hadassah Fisher, a registered elector in Region Nine and FGM candidate, contends that this amounts to discrimination and undermines proportional representation in the National Assembly.

Through attorney Dr. Vivian Williams of VMW Law, FGM is asking the court to declare elections held without the full inclusion of qualified parties null and void, restrain GECOM from excluding any duly approved national list, and order the immediate inclusion of FGM candidates in the affected regions.

“The issue is not a mere technicality,” the party said in a statement. “It is about fairness, dignity, and ensuring every Guyanese—whether on the coast or in the hinterland—has an equal chance to participate in shaping the country’s future.”

The matter is expected to come up for urgent hearing in the High Court. GECOM has not pronounced on the matter.