Representatives from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) met at Congress Place in Sophia on Thursday February 20, 2025 to address growing concerns over the credibility and integrity of the upcoming elections, specifically focusing on the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) handling of the voter list and the need for biometric verification processes.
The meeting highlighted widespread public calls for a clean and transparent voter list, and for the integration of biometric verification to ensure the legitimacy of the electoral system. This demand has become a pressing issue following previous instances where the voter list was criticised for containing discrepancies, and GECOM’s reluctance to implement biometric technology despite years of public outcry.
The official voter list for the 2020 elections included 660,998 names, a number that raised concerns due to its disproportionate size compared to Guyana’s estimated population of 785,000. As at January 2025, the list has 738, 484 names.
Biometric verification, which involves using unique physical identifiers such as fingerprints or facial recognition to confirm a voter’s identity, is viewed by many as an essential step in combating electoral fraud and ensuring that only eligible voters cast ballots. Despite these concerns, GECOM has repeatedly rejected calls to incorporate biometric technology into the registration and voting process.
Critics have raised alarm over the commission’s resistance, questioning its commitment to upholding free, fair, and credible elections.
During Thursday’s meeting, both the PNCR and GTUC reaffirmed their calls for GECOM to prioritise the use of biometrics as part of an overhaul to clean up the voter list, which both parties view as critical to the integrity of the democratic process. Shurwayne Holder, Chairman of the PNCR, emphasised the importance of a transparent system that incorporates modern technology to safeguard the vote.
Both the PNCR and GTUC affirmed a clean voter list, alongside biometric verification, is the foundation for free and fair elections.
The PNCR and GTUC also committed to launching an aggressive campaign aimed at educating the electorate about their rights and responsibilities in the lead-up to the elections. Both parties recognise the urgency of empowering citizens with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions at the ballot box. A politically conscious electorate is vital in maintaining the health of Guyana’s democracy, they said.
Among the PNCR representatives present were Chairman Shurwayne Holder MP, General Secretary Sherwin C. Benjamin, and CEC members Ganesh Mahipaul MP and Sherwood Lowe. The GTUC delegation included President Norris Witter, General Secretary Lincoln Lewis, Treasurer John Tull, and Organizing Secretary Eon Andrews.
The two parties emphasised that they would continue to collaborate and coordinate future initiatives to push for electoral reforms and ensure that the elections are conducted in a transparent and trustworthy manner. The General Secretaries of both parties will act as the primary points of contact for future discussions and actions.
In the statement, following the meeting, both the PNCR and GTUC reaffirmed their united stance in defending the democratic process and their commitment to fighting against any attempts at electoral malpractice. Both parties also urged citizens to remain vigilant and actively participate in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process, which is central to the future of Guyana.
