By Mark DaCosta- Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton’s recent comments regarding the eligibility of foreign nationals to vote in Guyana’s 2025 elections have ignited a debate, drawing a response from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Norton has apparently suggested that his party’s polling agents would be vigilant in preventing foreigners from voting, particularly those who cannot speak English. However, GECOM has emphasised that only the commission has the authority to determine voter eligibility.
In a public address on November 17, 2024, Norton, the leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), warned that his party’s polling agents would be on the lookout for foreigners who do not appear to have a connection to Guyana.
He specifically referenced people who may not be able to speak proper English, claiming that they could be sent by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government to influence the election outcome. “Let we tell them. When we put we polling officers in the polling station and they can’t talk proper English: ‘bam-bam,’” he said.
Norton’s comments were framed in the context of his party’s concerns over alleged government attempts to bring in foreign nationals — especially Venezuelans and Bangladeshis — to sway the vote. He suggested that the government might be recruiting foreign workers to register as voters, despite the country’s strict registration criteria. “There is no need to be going to Bangladesh to bring drivers,” Norton said. “What [the PPP] are really bringing is people to vote.”
His remarks are part of a broader narrative within the opposition, which asserts that the PPP government is trying to boost its electoral support by facilitating the registration of foreigners. At the same time, Norton reiterated his party’s commitment to maintaining a “clean voters’ list” in preparation for next year’s general elections.
However, the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, publicly has challenged Norton’s assertions, demanding evidence that foreigners were being unlawfully registered to vote. The PPP has also denied facilitating the registration of Venezuelans or other foreign nationals in an effort to influence the election.
Furthermore, in a response on November 19, 2024, the Commission issued a statement questioning Norton’s suggestion that his party’s polling agents could stop foreigners from voting. GECOM pointed out that, under the law, only the Commission can determine voter eligibility.
Additionally, they clarified that the Official List of Electors (OLE) is compiled only after rigorous legal and administrative checks. “Once, a person’s name is in the OLE, it means that all the necessary legal and administrative scrutiny were done,” GECOM stated.
Norton had also raised concerns about individuals who might be unable to communicate effectively in English, implying that they could be foreign nationals. In its response, GECOM stated that the law provides a solution for such situations. Section 72 (10) of the Representation of the People Act allows for the appointment of an interpreter if a voter does not understand the language spoken to them. “The interpreter, so sworn, shall be the means of communication between the presiding officer and the elector,” GECOM explained.
The Guyana Elections Commission, which is responsible for overseeing the country’s electoral process, issued a further warning against any actions that could obstruct eligible voters from casting their ballots. The Commission reminded political parties and their agents that it is a criminal offence to interfere with or intimidate voters. “An election official or security personnel can be prosecuted for committing election offences such as deliberately obstructing or interfering with the work of an Election Officer,” the statement stressed.
GECOM also highlighted the importance of responsible public statements from political leaders, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could cause unnecessary fear among voters. “Mischievous statements,” the Commission noted, could undermine the integrity of the election process and discourage legitimate voters from exercising their constitutional rights.
Despite GECOM’s reassurances, the exchange between Norton and the Elections Commission highlights the political divide ahead of the 2025 elections. With accusations of foreign voter manipulation now in the public sphere, both the government and opposition appear poised for a contentious campaign. As the elections draw closer, the focus will likely remain on the accuracy and fairness of the voters’ list, with both parties seeking to sway public opinion in their favour.
