Despite firm warnings from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), voters continue to break electoral laws by taking photographs of their ballots inside polling booths—an offense that has raised serious concerns about vote-buying and political coercion in the lead-up to the 2025 general elections.
On August 19, 2025, GECOM issued a public statement reinforcing its prohibition on the use of cell phones in polling booths, declaring the ban is “aimed at protecting the sanctity and secrecy of the ballot, particularly to address existing concerns regarding the potential for vote selling that is directly linked to the photographing of ballots.” The Commission cited the Representation of the People Act, Cap. 1:03, and emphasized its commitment to conducting “free and fair elections.”
To enforce the ban, GECOM outlined a series of standardized measures at all polling stations, including the posting of “No Cell Phone” signs, requiring voters to turn off their phones and place them on a designated desk before voting, and assigning polling staff and party agents to monitor for any breaches—while maintaining voter privacy. Presiding officers are also instructed to retain each voter’s ID during the process, returning it only after the ballot is cast. Any attempts to photograph ballots are to be immediately reported to the Guyana Police Force.
Yet, violations persist.
During the August 22 Disciplined Services vote, a troubling incident was reported in which a service member took a photo of his completed ballot, clearly showing he voted for the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP). The act is widely believed to be part of a broader pattern, where voters are allegedly pressured to show proof of support for the PPP in exchange for political favours, including access to government contracts.
Adding to the controversy, today Alanzo Greaves posted a photo on Facebook revealing that a phone was taken into the voting booth and used to capture a marked ballot for the PPP. The post has since circulated online, further fueling public concern that some supporters are more influenced by the promise of state rewards than by adherence to electoral law.
Critics argue that these incidents lend credibility to longstanding allegations that the PPP has weaponized state resources to influence the electorate through coercion and inducements. Civil society groups warn that such practices not only undermine the law but also erode public confidence in the electoral process.
GECOM has reiterated that the selling of a vote or any act that compromises ballot secrecy is punishable by a fine of G$65,000 and up to six months’ imprisonment. The Commission has called on all voters, parties, and agents to uphold the principles of democratic integrity as election day nears.
The Guyana Police Force has not yet issued a public statement on the reported incidents, but observers are calling for swift investigations and legal action to send a strong message that violations will not be tolerated.
