By Mark DaCosta- The Forward Guyana Movement has intensified its calls for accountability following disturbing revelations surrounding potential tampering of ballot boxes in our nation’s electoral process. A press statement, issued on September 5, 2025, raises significant concerns regarding the integrity of the recent elections, suggesting serious misconduct on the part of both the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the Guyana Police Force. The Movement expressed alarm over the refusal of GECOM to address credible video evidence that indicates irregular handling of ballot boxes, calling it an act of gaslighting that belittles the intelligence of the Guyanese populace.
The Movement, led by Amanza Walton-Desir, highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that the conduct of GECOM appears to divert attention from troubling evidence to a personal attack on the individual who recorded the footage. This tactic, they argue, serves not only to mislead the public but also to undermine trust in the electoral system. “It is an offense to the intelligence of right-thinking Guyanese,” the statement reads, underscoring the sentiment that the integrity of the voting process must never be compromised.
The Forward Guyana Movement further asserted that the statement issued by the Guyana Police Force, which downplayed the significance of the video evidence, was equally disconcerting. Instead of launching a thorough investigation into the alleged tampering of ballot boxes, the police opted to issue a denial, dismissing genuine concerns raised by the public. This prioritisation of perception over transparency is viewed as a significant failure of duty. The Movement emphasises that “the inviolability of ballot boxes is the cornerstone of free and fair elections,” signalling that any breach of this trust endangers the democratic rights of all citizens.
In their critique, the Forward Guyana Movement argued that the credibility of the electoral process hinges on the assurance that every vote will be protected and counted. With evidence suggesting possible tampering, the Movement insists that remaining silent is akin to abandoning the responsibilities assigned to the electoral authorities. “The right to vote is meaningless if the system that protects and counts those votes is compromised,” they charged, reinforcing the need for immediate action rather than a dismissive response.
The Movement drew a stark comparison with the electoral practices of other nations, reminding citizens that while elections should be conducted smoothly and transparently, ours often descend into confusion and denial. “Those in authority choose convenience over principle,” Walton-Desir noted, calling out officials who exploit the situation for personal or political gain. Such actions, the Movement claims, not only serve to divide our people further but also detract from the progress and unity that is urgently needed in our country.
In a clarion call to the authorities, the Forward Guyana Movement urged both GECOM and the Police Force to treat allegations of ballot box tampering with the seriousness they warrant. Transparency and accountability are critical to restoring faith in our electoral processes, and they stressed that “decisive investigation, not silence and dismissal, is what will safeguard trust in this electoral process.” The Movement is demanding not only an inquiry but also a reconsideration of the current governance model that has led to suspicion and disillusionment among the populace.
The implications of these allegations could be profound, affecting not only the immediate electoral outcomes but also the broader perception of democracy in our nation. With international observers still present in our country, there is a growing expectation for a robust response from the state to quell public unrest and to rebuild a fractured trust in electoral integrity.
As concerns continue to mount over the handling of this situation, the Forward Guyana Movement remains resolute in its commitment to demanding accountability and upholding the democratic rights of all citizens. The keywords of transparency and fairness echo through their statements, urging the government to prioritise the will of the people above all else. The future of our nation’s democratic framework hinges on the actions taken in response to these alarming developments. With every passing day, hope for change is juxtaposed against the ramifications of continued silence, leading many to ponder whether true justice for voters in our beloved country will ever be realised.
