The Alliance For Change (AFC) has issued a stark warning over the state of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), declaring the body to be in crisis and unfit to conduct the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE).
In a press release dated March 27, 2026, the party expressed concern that the National Assembly has approved more than $6.9 billion for GECOM’s operations—including funding for the elections—despite what it described as the absence of proper oversight by the full commission.
“Despite the absence of oversight by the full Commission, the National Assembly has approved more than $6.9 billion for the operations of GECOM in 2026, including funding for the hosting of the local government election. An election the AFC firmly maintains that GECOM is currently Not in a position to conduct this year,” the party stated.
The AFC argued that GECOM’s governance structure is “critically impaired,” noting that the full commission has not met since September 7, 2025.
“The AFC is deeply concerned that GECOM’s governance structure remains critically impaired; as the full commission has not met since the 7th of September 2025, making the institution effectively paralyzed at its highest decision-making level,” the statement said.
According to the party, the absence of a functioning commission means that no lawful approval can be granted for key preparatory elements of the elections, including the work plan, nomination day, voters list, polling stations, and the recruitment of staff.
The AFC further highlighted that six key senior administrative positions within GECOM remain vacant: Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Assistant Chief Elections Officer, Accountant, Information Technology Manager, Legal Officer, and Chief Security Officer.
Beyond the AFC’s concerns, GECOM’s performance has come under sustained scrutiny from observers and stakeholders, who have pointed to persistent administrative weaknesses, including concerns over a bloated voters’ list and gaps in transparency and inclusivity. Commonwealth observer missions have noted that while elections were generally well managed, longstanding issues affecting public confidence remain, particularly institutional political divisions and shortcomings in electoral systems.
Criticism has also intensified over GECOM’s failure to implement biometric voter verification, despite repeated recommendations from international observers who argue that such systems could strengthen credibility and address concerns about outdated voter rolls. Feasibility studies have pointed to delays and reluctance in adopting biometrics, citing cost, legal constraints, and technical limitations, even as calls grow for modernization of Guyana’s electoral infrastructure.
Describing the situation as a “clear and present danger,” the AFC warned that proceeding with elections under current conditions would severely damage public trust.
“The AFC is sounding a serious national alarm that the party WILL NOT stand idly by while GECOM continues to compromise the integrity of Guyana’s electoral processes. Any attempt by GECOM to hold LGE 2026 under the current deficient structure will irreparably undermine the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process before it even begins,” the statement said.
The party outlined what it described as firm and non-negotiable demands, including “an immediate end to operations conducted without proper oversight, lawful authority & institutional legitimacy,” the urgent reconvening of the full commission, and the immediate advertisement and appointment of all critical vacant posts.
It also called for an end to “all unilateral administrative actions that bypass proper governance.”
The AFC’s warning adds to growing scrutiny of GECOM’s readiness for upcoming elections, even as preparations are expected to advance in the coming months. The elections body has not yet publicly responded to the concerns raised.
