ERC, Carter Center discuss 2025 elections, social cohesion and democratic reforms

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and The Carter Center on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening democracy, social cohesion and national unity in Guyana during high-level discussions on the findings of the Center’s final report on the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

According to a statement from the ERC, the meeting brought together senior officials from both institutions as part of ongoing efforts to review the electoral process and identify opportunities to further strengthen democratic institutions and inclusive governance.

Representing The Carter Center were Jason Calder, Country Director of the Center’s International Election Observation Mission, and Brett Lacy, Associate Director of the Center’s Democracy Programme. The ERC delegation was led by Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack and included Deputy Chairman Charles Ogle, Commissioners Ras Khafra, Chandrowtie Sarran, Neaz Subhan and Norris Witter, along with Chief Executive Officer (Ag.) Oma Sukhu.

The statement added that during the discussions, Chairman Hack expressed appreciation for The Carter Center’s longstanding role in supporting democracy in Guyana, noting that the organization has been actively involved in observing and strengthening electoral processes in the country since 1992.

He also outlined the ERC’s involvement throughout the 2025 electoral cycle, highlighting the Commission’s engagement with communities before, during and after the elections. The Chairman noted that the ERC deployed its largest-ever contingent of local election-day observers and continued its efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and understanding among Guyanese.

Beyond elections, Hack highlighted several of the Commission’s initiatives aimed at fostering social harmony, including Harmony Clubs in schools and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training programmes conducted across public and private sector organizations.

The Carter Center delegation explained that it has been engaging a range of national stakeholders to discuss the recommendations contained in its final election report and to explore how those recommendations can be advanced.
The delegation also commended the peaceful conduct of the 2025 General and Regional Elections and acknowledged the ERC’s support during its observation mission. As a gesture of continued collaboration, the Center presented the Commission with a copy of its election observation handbook.

Both organizations, the statement said, noted the close alignment of their mandates, particularly in promoting inclusivity, peaceful engagement and democratic participation.

While acknowledging that challenges remain, the ERC and The Carter Center underscored their shared commitment to strengthening Guyana’s democratic framework and fostering greater national unity.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism about future cooperation as Guyana continues efforts to build trust, inclusion and resilience within its democratic institutions.