PSC urges review of GECOM’s structure to avoid political gridlock

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has called for a national consultation to review the governance structure of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), saying reforms are needed to reduce political gridlock and strengthen technical decision-making.
This was one of several recommendations outlined in the PSC’s report on the 2025 General and Regional Elections.
Speaking at a media briefing today, PSC President Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr. told reporters that the September 1 polls were conducted peacefully and credibly, and that the final results declared by GECOM reflected the will of the electorate.
The PSC deployed 150 trained observers across Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10, supported by an Observer Coordination Centre that operated between August 29 and September 4.
While the PSC found no evidence to support public claims about voter list irregularities, compromised ballot secrecy, or undue influence, Gouveia Jr. said several areas still require strengthening. These include standardised voting booth layouts, improved physical accessibility at polling places, enhanced public communications by GECOM, and refinements to the digital publication of Statements of Poll (SOPs). The PSC also reiterated its support for modernising campaign finance laws.
The report further recommended improvements to the role of state-owned media during elections to support fairer coverage.
Gouveia Jr. noted that the election took place during a period of rapid economic expansion across both oil and non-oil sectors, making transparency essential for stability and investor confidence. He said the participation of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party leader—who remains under long-standing U.S. sanctions—had no bearing on his democratic rights.
The PSC said GECOM staff demonstrated competence and impartiality, with strong oversight from party agents representing the PPP/C, APNU, and WIN. The tabulation and recount processes were described as transparent and well executed, with PSC observers maintaining continuous presence and noting that GECOM staff frequently consulted their manuals to clarify procedures.
Gouveia Jr. said the report was formally handed over to the GECOM Chairman on Tuesday.