GECOM hosts orientation for accredited election observers

See below the full release from the Guyana Elections Commission: 

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) hosted an orientation session on Wednesday, 20th August, 2025 for accredited Local and International Observers ahead of General and Regional Elections, to equip them with the necessary information and understanding to effectively carry out their observation duties. 

Specifically, the briefing sought to develop a clear understanding of their own roles and the roles of the relevant Election laws and Officials, enhance knowledge about the various electoral processes, and be empowered to conduct efficient assessments of the manner in which the entire process leading up to and including the declaration of the elections results are implemented. 

In her remarks, Chairperson of the Commission, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh posited that the presence of observers signifies a shared commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, and ensuring the integrity of our electoral process. Justice Singh highlighted that the role of observers is paramount in fostering public trust and confidence in the electoral outcome, and that the goal of the Commission is to share the knowledge and insights necessary to effectively observe every stage, ensuring that the elections are conducted in a manner that is free, fair, transparent, and credible, in compliance with international standards. 

The participants also benefitted from comprehensive presentations delivered by the Deputy Chief Election  Officer (DCEO), Mr. Aneal Giddings and the Civic and Voter Education Manager, Mr. Nardeo Persaud  respectively on the electoral process and polling day procedures as well as a detailed overview of the ascertainment of votes and tabulation process.  

These presentations were followed by a highly interactive question and answer session facilitated by the  Chief Election Officer (CEO), Mr. Vishnu Persaud who provided detailed responses and clarity to the questions posed. The CEO also took the opportunity to underscore the importance of observers as key stakeholders in the electoral process and thanked them for their interest and diligent participation.

In attendance were Heads of the Diplomatic Missions from the United States Embassy, British High  Commission, and Canadian High Commission, along with International Observers from the Carter Center,  European Union, and Commonwealth, and several local observer groups. 

The event was streamed live via GECOM’s YouTube Channel so that the observers who are yet to arrive in  Guyana and those local observers in outlying areas could benefit for the information to aid their full participation in the electoral process and fulfilling their roles.  

To date, the Commission has approved almost 700 hundred Observers representing approximately 20  organizations. GECOM is grateful for the continued support of observers, especially during the elections period since it augurs well for transparency and credibility in democratic societies.