Four years after 2020 Elections, GECOM has not acted on recommendations for reform

As we approach future elections in Guyana, one question remains front and center: Can we trust the electoral process to be free and fair under the current leadership of Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)?

Despite the promises of impartiality, transparency, and a commitment to democracy, the reality on the ground is a stark contrast. Justice Singh has not implemented a single one of the recommendations made by the international observers who monitored the 2020 Elections, including reports from CARICOM, the European Union, the Organisation of American States (OAS), and the Carter Centre.

This glaring failure to act on these well-researched recommendations speaks volumes about her leadership—or lack thereof. These reports were not just mere suggestions; they were critical assessments intended to improve the integrity of our electoral system. They called for crucial reforms: updating the voter list, implementing biometric registration, and enhancing transparency in the voting process. Yet, four years after the 2020 elections, none of these recommendations have been acted upon. If anything, we have only seen GECOM become more entrenched in the same practices that led to widespread distrust in the 2020 elections.

It is hard to ignore the fact that, under Justice Singh’s leadership, the credibility of GECOM has been severely compromised. The 2020 elections, marred by delays, confusion, and allegations of fraud, have left a deep scar in the collective memory of the Guyanese people. We cannot allow this history to repeat itself in future elections. And yet, as it stands today, there is no evidence to suggest that GECOM, under its current chairman, is taking the necessary steps to prevent a similar crisis.

Justice Singh’s failure to implement the recommendations of the international community is not just a matter of poor governance—it’s a failure to respect the very principles of democracy. The international community must not turn a blind eye to this ongoing situation. We cannot afford to ignore the fact that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has shown a clear reluctance to adopt measures that would ensure a more secure and transparent electoral process. The refusal to create a new voter list or implement a biometric system for future elections is deeply troubling and raises questions about the real motivations behind these decisions of the GECOM and the PPP government.

At this point, it is clear that Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh has failed in her responsibility to lead GECOM in a way that restores the public’s trust in the electoral process. Her continued tenure as chairman further damage to the integrity of our elections and to the democratic values that all Guyanese hold dear.

If Justice Singh has any remaining sense of dignity and respect for the people of Guyana, she should seriously consider stepping down. History will remember her not as a symbol of fairness and integrity, but as the worst GECOM chairman in our country’s history—one who allowed a flawed system to fester and persist rather than taking bold action to reform it.

As citizens of Guyana, we must demand better. We cannot afford to sit idly by as those in power obstruct progress and undermine our democratic processes. The international community must also hold Justice Singh accountable, as the failure to address these systemic issues opens the door for future electoral fraud. Without serious reform, the integrity of the 2025 elections—and all subsequent elections—remains at risk.