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March 26, 2026
General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has called on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to step up voters’ education regarding the prohibition on electors taking photos in polling places, with just weeks to go before the general and regional elections.
Reiterating that it is against the law, he addressed the issue during his weekly press briefing at Freedom House on Thursday.
Reading a press statement by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on the matter, Dr Jagdeo repeated what is stated in the law — that this violation carries a fine of up to $65,000 and imprisonment of up to two years.
“They want cell phones banned from the polling places. I want to remind people, they’re accurate about the law. The only issue about whether people can take a cell phone in or not, is if they refuse to not lodge their cell phone, and you prevent them from voting. Then it could form a challenge to the elections, but clearly whether you have your cell phone with you or not you cannot take a picture in the polling place,” he said.
Addressing polling agents and presiding officers, Dr Jagdeo noted that they have a duty to ensure that this is not done.
“They should prominently display the law — what it is. And I think GECOM should do more voter’s education on this matter,” he stated.
APNU presidential candidate Aubrey Norton has recently urged GECOM to enforce its rule prohibiting voters from taking photos of their ballot papers inside polling booths, noting that the secrecy of the ballot must be protected.
GECOM has emphasised that electors taking photos of their votes remain prohibited.
