EU Observation Mission: Elections ‘well run’ but reforms needed

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) on Tuesday outlined six priority reforms to strengthen Guyana’s electoral system, citing gaps in voter registration, campaign finance, media coverage, and the implementation of the Data Protection Act. The recommendations aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and fairness ahead of future elections.

Chief Observer Robert Biedroń, a Member of the European Parliament, presented the EU EOM’s final report at a press conference at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Georgetown, marking the conclusion of the mission’s months-long assessment of the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

Biedroń said the elections showed important improvements in the way voting and counting were conducted, and Guyanese citizens once again demonstrated their commitment to democratic participation. “Still political polarisation and an uneven playing field reduced public confidence in the process. Our recommendations aim to contribute to reforms that can strengthen the processes and further enhance transparency, inclusiveness and accountability,” he stressed.

The report highlighted inclusive candidate registration, six political parties contesting, and strong representation of women. At the same time, it found the level playing field was distorted by an undue advantage of incumbency.

The EU EOM also noted that the politicised structure of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and insufficient communication undermined opposition confidence, compounded by concerns over voter list accuracy. “Traditional and online media environment was vibrant but antagonistic, with pro-government bias and limited rules on equitable access. Encouragingly, some independent voices helped voters make a more informed choice. Persons with disabilities continued to face barriers to equal participation and civil society observers were largely absent,” the report said.

It added that the legal framework is broadly adequate and that recent reforms, including real-time online statements of poll, improved transparency and traceability of results. The report concluded that while the elections took place in a context of deep political polarisation, the polls were peaceful and well-run.