The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has come under intense scrutiny following its controversial handling of the post-election recount process, which critics say has lacked transparency, accountability, and adherence to basic electoral procedures. On Thursday GECOM reopened ballot boxes as part of what it describes as a “limited recount”—but serious concerns have emerged about how the process is being conducted.
According to eyewitnesses and political observers, GECOM proceeded to empty the envelopes containing ballots and cross-check figures against Statements of Poll (SOPs)—without first verifying the votes against the List of Electors for each polling division. This crucial step, meant to confirm the eligibility of each vote, was omitted—undermining the credibility of the entire recount.
Public Demands Mirror 2020 Recount
Amid rising tension, Guyanese citizens are now demanding a full, transparent recount similar to the one conducted in 2020, which was done under heavy scrutiny from both domestic and international observers. That recount, though contentious, was executed with greater procedural safeguards, including full access for political parties and consistent cross-referencing with voters’ lists.
Citizens have taken to social media and gatherings to call for a nationwide recount, not a selectively pre-determined one, especially in light of mounting evidence that GECOM’s current process lacks the rigorous oversight required to restore public trust.
As one political analyst put it:
“A limited recount, controlled and guided by GECOM without transparency, is worse than no recount at all. The people remember 2020—they know what a proper recount looks like.”
Ballot Box Tampering Allegations Supported by Photographic Evidence
The controversy has deepened with reports—and photographic evidence—showing that several ballot boxes appear to have been tampered with. Shared widely online and confirmed by observers, the images reveal broken seals, removed security tape, and other signs of potential interference. These revelations directly contradict GECOM’s statements that the boxes were securely stored.
Election rules are clear- any evidence of tampering should trigger an immediate suspension of recounting for that box until GECOM’s senior officials investigate what are clear signs of interference.
“Superficial Recount” Accusation from Statistical Expert
Village Voice News’ in-house statistician sharply criticised the commission’s methodology and motives:
“Even if the government wants to do a limited recount, it has to be a random sample from any area. GECOM cannot pre-determine what boxes will be recounted, especially when there is so much mistrust of the institution.”
The expert went further, warning: “GECOM must at all times give the appearance that the process is not a carefully orchestrated superficial recount.”
Procedural Failures Raise Red Flags
GECOM’s deviation from standard recount procedures is raising serious legal and ethical concerns. In a legitimate recount:
The voter list must be used to verify the number of ballots issued and match it against the number of ballots found in the box.
Party agents must confirm that the seals, signatures, and identifying marks on the boxes were intact before they are opened.
The contents of each box—including unused ballots, tendered ballots, and voters’ lists—must be fully accounted for and recorded.
Any discrepancy—whether missing materials or additional, unauthorized content—must trigger an official explanation or halt to the process.
Furthermore, the Statement of Polls (SOPs) used during the recount must be confirmed as the original, signed documents from polling day, not substituted copies. If an SOP is unsigned or appears to be altered, the recount for that station must not continue.
Calls for Immediate Oversight and Filming
Electoral experts and civil society groups have also demanded that all recounts be filmed and conducted in full view of party agents. During the physical recount of ballots, each vote must be carefully examined to confirm that it was properly marked and correctly attributed to the respective party. Any differences from the original count must be documented and acknowledged by all party representatives.
At the end of each recount session, results should be compared to the original SOP. Any discrepancy must be signed off by all agents present.
GECOM’s Credibility in Crisis
With evidence of tampered boxes, procedural shortcuts, and a recount process lacking judicious oversight, GECOM’s credibility is in free fall. Calls for a full, 2020-style national recount are intensifying as Guyanese demand accountability and transparency in defense of their democratic rights.
Until GECOM conducts itself with the impartiality, rigour, and transparency demanded by law and expected by citizens, the results of the 2025 elections will remain under a cloud of deep suspicion.
