Voting process more efficient, professional – PSC Chairman

Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Gerry Gouveia Jr. on Monday said the voting process has been smooth, orderly, and marked by professionalism across the country.

Speaking to the News Room at St. Rose’s High School, Gouveia noted that 150 accredited observers had been deployed nationwide, and their reports consistently indicated steady voting, minimal issues, and quick resolution of any hiccups. He commended polling day staff for their patience with voters, including those with disabilities or literacy challenges, stressing that while this sometimes slowed the pace, it safeguarded voter rights.

“GECOM staff have been exceptionally patient in working with the public, including people with disabilities and those with difficulties in reading or writing. That naturally slows things down a bit, but their professionalism and training have been impressive,” Gouveia said.

He also responded to online concerns about the orientation of voting compartments, emphasising that the priority was to protect ballot secrecy while preventing cellphone misuse. He explained that presiding officers had positioned barriers in different ways, but the PSC had not observed any compromise of voter privacy.

“I haven’t seen any instances where the voting compartment exposed the privacy of the vote. The presiding officers are positioning barriers in ways that protect voters while still allowing for necessary visibility,” the Chairman stated.

The PSC Chairman also highlighted the strong presence of party representatives at polling stations, the professional conduct of police officers, and the use of body cameras to enhance transparency without exposing ballots. He said these measures were increasing accountability and public confidence in the process.

“The body cams don’t capture how people vote, but they show the process, raising professionalism and transparency. We’ve had little to no issues or incidents, and we’re hoping that continues right through to the close of polls and the tabulation of results,” he added.

With polls running smoothly, the PSC expressed hope that the orderly approach would continue through the close of voting and the subsequent counting of ballots.