AFC Sounds Alarm on GECOM Readiness, Calls for Strong Observer Presence

Mark DaCosta- The Alliance for Change (AFC) has voiced serious apprehensions regarding the integrity of the upcoming General and Regional Elections set for September 1, 2025, following a pivotal meeting with the Commonwealth Observer Mission. The delegation from the AFC, spearheaded by party Chairman David Patterson, engaged with representatives from the Commonwealth team, led by Linford Andrews, who oversees the Commonwealth Electoral Support Section. This discussion could be seen as a crucial moment as our nation prepares for a significant electoral event.

At the heart of their dialogue was the AFC’s dissatisfaction with the performance of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), particularly its apparent failure to implement essential recommendations proposed by international observers after the contentious elections of 2020.

Patterson articulated that the AFC anticipates the presence of the Commonwealth Observer Mission to enhance transparency, stating their desire for the mission to be operational in the days leading up to and following Election Day. The emphasis on this pre- and post-election observation highlights the AFC’s commitment to ensuring that the forthcoming elections uphold democratic standards.

The Commonwealth Observer Mission serves a vital role in promoting democratic principles across its member states. Comprising electoral experts, the mission’s primary function is to assess and report on the electoral processes, offering valuable recommendations to ensure free and fair elections. Their presence is expected to provide crucial oversight, which the AFC believes is much needed, especially in light of ongoing concerns regarding GECOM’s operations.

The AFC raised several specific issues, illustrating a broader lack of confidence in the electoral body. Central to their concerns is the disproportionately large voter’s list, which the party claims has not been adequately addressed. Furthermore, they highlighted GECOM’s lack of commitment to incorporating biometric technology at polling stations, a step that many see as essential for ensuring voter authenticity. The party noted that recent communications directed towards GECOM have often gone unanswered, leading to increased frustration.

The structure of GECOM has also come under scrutiny. The AFC insisted that the current configuration hampers the independence of the commission, thereby jeopardising the electoral process. Perhaps most controversially, the party raised alarms over the fact that a sitting minister of the government, who is a senior officer of the ruling party, serves as the legal adviser to GECOM. This perceived conflict of interest could further undermine public confidence in the commission’s impartiality.

The AFC concluded that GECOM’s current trajectory seems unprepared to facilitate elections that meet the standards of fairness and transparency that the public deserves. “GECOM appears unprepared to hold free, fair and transparent elections,” Patterson remarked, underlining the critical sentiment among political opponents regarding the commission’s capabilities and readiness.

As the country stands on the brink of another electoral cycle, the dialogue between the AFC and the Commonwealth Observer Mission reflects the urgent need for transparency and trust in the electoral process. Many citizens and political parties alike are looking to this election as an opportunity to reaffirm their ideals of democratic governance. With rising concerns underpinning the electoral landscape, the involvement of international observers could prove essential in addressing the issues raised by the AFC and restoring public faith in the electoral process.

As Guyana prepares for the impending elections, the ongoing discussions between political parties and international observers underscore the critical atmosphere of scrutiny and anticipation. The hope remains that these elections will indeed be conducted in a manner that reflects the true will of the people while adhering to the democratic principles.