By Mark DaCosta- As the deadline for registering to vote looms, eligible citizens are urged by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to act swiftly to secure their participation in the upcoming elections.  There are only hours left. On June 17 and 18, GECOM’s offices are open until 8 pm.
With the fast-approaching June 18 deadline, it is crucial for Guyanese and Commonwealth citizens to promptly register or amend their details in anticipation of the General and Regional Elections set for September 1. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is said that it is currently working to compile an Official List of Electors and is urging everyone to ensure their information is accurate before the cut-off. Those wishing to register or make changes to their registration details, which include name corrections and address transfers, must take action immediately, as the claims process is drawing to a close.
At present, GECOM has circulated the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE), which serves as a preliminary reference for eligible voters to check their details prior to the creation of the Official List of Electors (OLE). This list is pivotal, as it will determine who is eligible to vote come September.
During the claims and objections phase, which is ongoing, individuals can identify discrepancies or seek to add their names if they qualify. Specifically, those who are citizens by birth, descent, naturalisation, or Commonwealth citizens residing in our homeland for more than a year, and will be 18 years old by June 30, 2025, are eligible to make claims for inclusion in the OLE.
For those who want to correct any inaccuracies in their current registration — be it a misspelling, a change of name, or a need to adjust their address — this is the final opportunity to ensure that details reflect their current status. In addition, voters can also lodge objections against names included in the PLE if they believe those individuals do not meet the eligibility criteria. It’s important to note that objections can only be made against names in the same electoral district as the objector’s own registration.
While the process remains open, it’s essential to recognise that the window for action is narrowing. The current phase concludes on June 20.
As of the latest reports, there are approximately 757,066 names logged on the current PLE. GECOM is tackling claims and objections diligently in preparation for the forthcoming Revised List of Electors, which is slated for completion by early July, just ahead of Nomination Day on July 14. Political parties intending to participate must ensure their symbols are submitted for preapproval by June 22.
The urgency cannot be overstated. Eligible voters only have mere hours left to navigate this critical process; delay could result in disenfranchisement in our vital electoral exercise. Citizens should take this countdown very seriously and ensure their eligibility is confirmed and accurate for the elections ahead.
