‘Soldiers will vote without coercion’ – Army Chief

Some 10, 481 members of the Disciplined Forces are voting on Friday ahead of the September 1, 2025, general and regional elections and according to Chief of Defence Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, soldiers will do so without being coerced.

After casting his ballot at Base Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown, the army chief said the process thus far is going smoothly.

“As you know traditionally, the Joint Services would vote before the general public would vote and that is scheduled for September 1st.

“Throughout the day, soldiers will decide without coercion, vote as their right is so being, each one of them and I expect no issue throughout the day,” Brigadier Khan told the press.

Brigadier Khan emphasised that ranks are not being influenced in any way about who to vote for.

“There’s no particular agenda. Every day, every officer around gets up, put on their boots and clothes and ready to serve the people of the land. Every soldier has a right to exercise their vote as they see fit. There’s no coercion there’s no influence, and all the soldiers that are here are doing just that and across the force and across the country.”

He added, “Ranks are deployed and are voting. My experience just now was a very organized and smooth one and I want to thank all those who were responsible for ensuring that this was done successfully, at least when I was in there.

“I do not anticipate any issue because all soldiers are expressing and exercising their democratic right to participate in this beautiful and important process.”

Those who are unable to vote on Friday, will be able to do so on September 1.

“So, we have a number of officers who are overseas…and they will be allowed to vote on the 1st of September. Some are returning to Guyana, some are out and those who can be afforded to vote overseas will be allowed within the regulations,” the army head said.