Observers in this year’s elections attended an orientation and briefing exercise hosted by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Wednesday.
The exercise for accredited local and international observers was held at the Office of the Returning Officer at GECOM’s headquarters in Georgetown.
With just 11 days to go before the general and regional elections, GECOM Chairperson, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, said the presence of observers signifies a shared commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
“The purpose of this session is to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of Guyana’s election processes – from the pre-election preparations and post-election activities. Our goal is to share with you the knowledge and insights necessary to effectively observe every stage,” she told observers.
Singh added that their role is paramount to ensuring that the elections are free, fair, transparent, credible, and in compliance with international standards, as well as fostering public trust and confidence in the electoral outcome.“Your observation will be critical in identifying areas of strength as well as areas where improvements may be needed, ultimately contributing to the continuous enhancement of our electoral system. Your insights and perspectives are highly valued, and we believe that through collaborative engagement, we can collectively ensure a robust and credible electoral process,” she noted.
Singh said their objective and impartial assessment provides an invaluable layer of accountability, which contributes significantly to the democratic health of the nation.
She noted that GECOM is committed to providing the necessary resources and support in an effort to effectively fulfil the observers’ mandate.
In addition to equipping observers with the information to effectively undertake their duties, the orientation also delved into the legal framework governing elections in Guyana, including the Representation of the People Act – in an effort to ensure observers are fully aware of established procedures and regulations.
