As Guyana moves closer to the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has issued a crucial reminder regarding the eligibility criteria for candidates contesting seats in the National Assembly.
In a press release dated July 6, 2025, GECOM emphasized that individuals holding dual citizenship are constitutionally barred from being nominated or elected as Members of Parliament (MPs). The Commission urged all political parties and independent candidates to carefully review their Lists of Candidates to avoid having their submissions deemed defective.
According to the Constitution of Guyana, specifically Article 155(1)(a), “no person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who is, by virtue of his or her own act, under any acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.”
This provision was included to address national concerns over dual loyalty and foreign allegiance among parliamentarians.
The press release states that dual citizens are not eligible for candidacy and that if such individuals are included on any submitted list, it would render the list defective. This has been a point of contention in past elections and remains a critical issue ahead of the upcoming polls.
GECOM also reminded stakeholders of Article 155(1)(d) of the Constitution, which bars individuals from running for Parliament if they currently hold or are acting in several public offices. These include positions such as Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature, Members of the Elections Commission, Judicial and Public Service Commissions, the Teaching or Police Service Commissions, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Ombudsman, and the Auditor General.
The Commission urged all parties to exercise caution and diligence when preparing their candidate lists to ensure full compliance with the constitutional requirements and to prevent any complications or disqualifications during the nomination process.
GECOM concluded the advisory by reaffirming its commitment to transparency and lawful electoral conduct as the nation prepares for one of its most significant democratic exercises.
