(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) – In response to an invitation from the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) mounted a ten (10) member CARICOM Election Observer Mission (CEOM) to observe the General and Regional Elections on 1 September 2025.
Members of the Mission comprised electoral experts from the following eight (8) Member States:
Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago.
The CEOM is responsible for observing preparations for and the conduct of the elections.
Its mandate is to provide an independent, impartial, and honest assessment of the entire electoral process, considering all factors that may impact the overall credibility and transparency of the elections.
The Chief and Deputy Chief of Mission along with the remaining team members arrived in Guyana during the period 26 to 28 August 2025. The CEOM consulted with a wide cross section of the Guyanese society. This included H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President and Leader of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C); representatives of the Hon. Aubrey Norton, M.P., Leader of the Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU); We Invest in Nationhood (WIN); Alliance for Change (AFC); Assembly of Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) and Forward Guyana Movement (FGM).
Additionally, the team attended several political meetings to gain an understanding of the political atmosphere on the ground. The team also engaged with the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the Chief Election Officer, the Commissioner of Police, Guyana Integrity Commission, Ethnic Relations Commission, Women and Gender Equality Commission, National Disability Commission, trade unions, the private sector, and various civil society institutions including the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination, Guyana Bar Association, Transparency International Guyana, Canje Community Development Council, and the Presidential Youth Advisory Council. The team also met with the United Nations Technical Team, local and international observers, and CARICOM Ambassadors Resident in Guyana. These meetings provided the CEOM with a general idea of the atmosphere and level of preparedness for the elections.
Campaign Period
Based on information from the various stakeholder consultations and media reports, campaign messaging largely focused on policy and national development. However, the campaign also included instances of personal attacks and accusations. This dynamic likely reflects the high stakes of the election and the evolving political landscape of Guyana as a developing nation. We have not received any reports of major election-related violence during the campaign period.
Deployment of Teams
On Election Day, team members were deployed to observe the elections in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10. The team visited three hundred and twenty-four (324) polling stations. They also consulted with the Returning Officers and Supernumerary Returning Officers, as well as the various Police Regional Commanders.
Opening of the Poll
The Observer team arrived at the polling stations prior to the opening of the poll to observe the process. It was observed that there was adequate police presence at all these polling locations. Polling staff were present and the necessary election supplies were delivered on time, enabling polling stations to open promptly at 6:00 am. Many voters arrived just before the polls opened, and many appeared enthusiastic to cast their ballots.
The CEOM was made aware of one polling station that experienced a delay, opening at 6:40 a.m. due to the late delivery of the voting compartment. However, this delay did not appear to disfranchise any voters, as all voters who presented themselves were able to cast their ballots. The team noted the presence of at least three (3) political agents in most polling stations. The required notices and instructions for electors were posted, and polling day staff diligently followed the official procedures for the opening of the poll. Overall, the polling stations visited generally opened on time, and voters were able to cast their ballots in a very peaceful and orderly manner.
Voting Process
At the polling locations visited we observed that most polling stations had a list of electors posted for voters to be able to check their names. In a few locations where the list was not displayed, some voters were unsure of their designated polling station. The CEOM noted that this was effectively managed by the availability of Information Clerks, who were equipped with tablets or phones to direct voters, and the option to scan a QR code for guidance. Polling staff were observed to be adequately trained, courteous and helpful, particularly to incapacitated voters. They consistently and impartially guided voters throughout the process. While voter turnout appeared slow for a significant portion of the day, polling staff remained focused on their duties, ensuring all eligible voters who presented themselves were able to cast their ballots.
The CEOM observed some inconsistencies in the positioning of voting compartments. While GECOM had provided an official polling station layout, it appeared that some polling staff may have had a different interpretation of the guidelines. The CEOM was informed that these adjustments were made in some locations to prevent the photographing of ballots, a GECOM policy, even though voters were not permitted to take their phones inside the voting compartments. Despite these variations, the voting procedures were generally conducted in accordance with the procedures and guidelines outlined by GECOM.
The CEOM also observed that some polling stations were not located on the ground floor. This presented a challenge for elderly and disabled voters, which is an important consideration for future planning.
Close of Poll
The CEOM observed the closing of the poll at several polling stations. Arriving approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled 6:00 p.m. closing time, the team noted that most polling stations had no voters in line. At 6:00 p.m. the Presiding Officers declared the polling stations closed. In the few instances where voters were still in line, they were permitted to cast their ballots. The CEOM concluded that the close of poll procedures were conducted in accordance with the guidelines outlined by GECOM.
Counting of Ballots
Following the conclusion of voting, ballot boxes were opened in the presence of political party agents and observers. The ballots were then carefully counted, beginning with the General Election ballots and immediately followed by the Regional Election ballots.
Once polling staff and agents agreed on the tally, the results were recorded on the Statement of Poll. All parties present signed the document, and copies were provided to political party agents and posted at the polling stations as required. The CEOM is satisfied that the polling day staff followed the counting of ballots procedures and guidelines outlined by GECOM.
Tabulation of Results
After the counting process, Presiding Officers were responsible for transporting the original signed Statement of Poll to the respective District or Supernumerary Returning Officer for tabulation. The CEOM notes that the tabulation process is still ongoing. The CEOM commends GECOM on the legal amendments made to enhance the integrity of the tabulation process, particularly the provision for electronic transmission and the public display of Statements of Poll for verification. These measures are critical for ensuring transparency and accountability.
Stakeholder Observations and Recommendations
Based on consultations, the CEOM noted the following several key observations and recommendations from various stakeholders:
The Voters List: A primary concern raised by most stakeholders was the perceived “bloated” nature of the voters list. GECOM informed that while Guyanese who reside overseas are not included in the national census, the law does not currently authorize the Commission to remove their names from the list of electors, as they retain the legal right to return and vote.
Removal of Deceased Persons: Some stakeholders indicated that names of deceased individuals remain on the list from the last elections. The CEOM was informed that in addition to the General Register Office, the Ministry of Health and the Police are now required to provide GECOM with information on deceased persons to assist in the timely removal of these names from the list of electors.
Biometrics: The introduction of biometrics was highlighted as a pressing need that could assist in mitigating the potential for impersonation and double voting.
GECOM’s Composition: Concerns were also expressed regarding the current composition of GECOM. Many stakeholders suggested that Independent Commissioners should also be appointed and that a time limit should be added to the period of appointment.
Communication: Stakeholders, including media representatives, reported continued difficulties in obtaining timely information from GECOM, which can hinder their ability to provide accurate and prompt information to the public.
Campaign Financing: The lack of a clear framework for campaign financing regulations was also a concern. Stakeholders noted the need for such a framework to be established to ensure a more level playing field.
Overall Impression and Commendations
The CEOM is of the view that on Election Day, electors were able to exercise their franchise in a peaceful and orderly manner and without significant incident. The team observed no signs of intimidation, harassment, or campaigning intended to influence or obstruct the democratic process.
Polling day staff performed their duties in a professional manner and are to be commended. Similarly, the police maintained law and order at the polling stations with extreme professionalism in their interactions with electors and various political stakeholders.
We wish to congratulate the Guyana Elections Commission, the Chief Election Officer and all polling staff. Despite concerns raised prior to Election Day regarding a potential shortage of staff, all polling stations the team visited had a full complement of professional and courteous workers. They efficiently managed the process, even though some, including Presiding Officers, were working for the first time.
Congratulations are also in order for the political parties, their agents, their supporters, and all the voters for the peaceful and orderly way they conducted themselves on Election Day.
We urge all Guyanese to remain calm, peaceful and patient while awaiting the official results of the General and Regional Elections. The relevant authorities must be allowed the space to carry out their duties thoroughly and transparently. Now, more than ever, Guyanese must stand together and put country first. Remember that the strength of the nation lies in its unity, resilience and commitment to the democratic process. The integrity of your elections is essential to the future of Guyana.
Conclusion
It is our view that the will of the people of Guyana will be accepted and respected.
This interim statement provides an initial assessment based on the observations of our team. A final report will be submitted to the Secretary-General of CARICOM in the coming weeks, outlining our full findings and recommendations.
CARICOM reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting Guyana’s democratic journey and its pursuit of a peaceful, unified, and prosperous future for all Guyanese.
The CEOM expresses sincere gratitude to all individuals and organizations who took the time to meet with us. We also extend our appreciation to the Secretary-General and staff of the CARICOM Secretariat for their unwavering support to this Mission.
JOSEPHINE TAMAI
CHIEF OF MISSION
CARICOM ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION (CEOM)
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA
2 SEPTEMBER 2025
Photo caption: The CEOM to the General and Regional Elections of Guyana. The Chief of Mission was Ms Josephine Tamai, Chief Election Officer of Belize (4th from right) and the Deputy Chief of Mission was Mr Ian Hughes, Supervisor of Elections of Antigua and Barbuda (right).
About CARICOM:
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was established on 4 July 1973 with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which was revised in 2001 to allow for the establishment of a single market and economy. CARICOM comprises fifteen Member States and six Associate Members and is home to approximately sixteen million citizens, 60% of whom are under 30 years old. CARICOM’s work rests on four main pillars: economic integration; foreign policy coordination; human and social development; and security cooperation.
The members of CARICOM work together to create a Community that is integrated, inclusive and resilient; driven by knowledge, excellence, innovation and productivity; a Community which is a unified and competitive force in the global arena, where every citizen is secure and has the opportunity to realise his or her potential with guaranteed human rights and social justice, and contributes to, and shares in, its economic, social and cultural prosperity.
CARICOM remains one of the best examples of integration in the developing world.
The CARICOM Secretariat, the principal administrative organ of the Community, is headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana.