By Mark DaCosta- A lack of confidence in the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has emerged as a serious concern for credible elections in 2025, with allegations of mismanagement and internal dysfunction surfacing after a recent meeting. This raises serious questions about the Commission’s ability to organise free and fair elections as the nation heads towards its next electoral cycle.
At a recent meeting, key stakeholders voiced concerns about the overall effectiveness of GECOM, particularly highlighting internal discord and operational disarray within the Commission. According to one prominent critic, the Commission’s lack of cohesion and clear direction during the meeting showed that it was ill-prepared to oversee the country’s next major democratic exercise.
Nigel Hughes revealed that the atmosphere at the meeting was “hostile,” with the Commissioners locked in a bitter exchange. The tensions were not only apparent but also revealed deeper issues about the Commission’s current state.
Hughes remarked that within the first 25 minutes of the meeting, his team had already lost confidence in GECOM’s ability to deliver the elections in a fair and credible manner. The key concerns raised were the apparent absence of unity, clear policy positions, and the capacity to effectively manage the process.
“The way the Commission is structured and operates right now, there’s no question that it will be incapable of delivering credible elections in 2025,” Hughes said. His comments underscore the urgent need for reform within GECOM if the nation is to trust the results of the upcoming elections.
Further criticism centred on the Elections Secretariat, the body responsible for overseeing the electoral process. Hughes claimed the Secretariat was woefully unprepared to handle critical issues, casting doubt on whether it could manage the logistical and organisational challenges that will come with conducting elections in 2025. The Secretariat’s inability to handle its duties efficiently is troubling, especially as the country gears up for what will likely be another highly scrutinised election cycle.
The concerns raised by Hughes and others reflect broader unease within the political and public spheres. This criticism is not limited to just the election management, but it also touches on the larger question of whether GECOM has the necessary capacity to handle the growing complexities of the electoral process in Guyana. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the expectations for an impartial and transparent election process grow ever higher.
Hughes’ statement comes after several similar concerns raised by other political leaders and observers over the past few months. The public has also expressed dissatisfaction with the management of the last election cycle, which was marred by significant delays and allegations of procedural irregularities. These concerns were exacerbated by the contentious recount of the 2020 elections, which left many citizens questioning GECOM’s ability to guarantee fairness and transparency.
The fears of dysfunction within GECOM are compounded by the fact that preparations for the 2025 elections are already behind schedule. Many have called for urgent reforms to ensure that the electoral body can function smoothly and deliver an election that all parties can trust. Without swift intervention to address the perceived internal issues, the credibility of the elections could be compromised, leading to a crisis of confidence in the democratic process itself.
As Guyana approaches its next electoral cycle, the importance of a well-functioning and impartial elections commission cannot be overstated. The country’s democratic institutions rely on GECOM to carry out elections that reflect the will of the people. However, without significant improvements, the integrity of future elections remains in jeopardy, and the legitimacy of the next government could be called into question.
It remains to be seen whether GECOM will take heed of the growing calls for reform and act to restore public confidence.
