By Mark DaCosta-The Alliance For Change (AFC) recently convened with representatives from the Carter Center according to a statement by the party dated June 25, 2026. The meeting focused on discussing vital electoral reforms in light of the 2020 general and regional elections. This meeting underscored the pressing need for strengthening our electoral systems and ensuring that democratic institutions are robust and effective.
The AFC’s delegation included Acting Leader David Patterson, Vice Chairman Michael Carrington, and Executive members Cathy Hughes, Nicola Trotman, and Diana Rajcumar, while the Carter Center was represented by Country Director for Guyana, Jason Calder, and Brett Lacy.
The discussions primarily revolved around the findings of the Carter Center’s final report on the 2025 General and Regional Elections, which highlighted the current state of electoral administration in Guyana. Emphasising the urgent necessity for reform, the AFC articulated concerns regarding the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), stressing that the Commission has not convened since September 2025.
During the meeting, the AFC pointed out, “Local Government Elections would not be possible unless a full Commission is in place and actively meeting.” This statement speaks volumes about the operational paralysis facing GECOM, a situation that endangers the democratic process in our country.
Additionally, the report revealed serious deficiencies within GECOM’s operations. The AFC underscored issues such as the unresolved voting arrangements for Guyanese oil and gas workers and the restricted access to the voters list for opposition parties. The decision to provide the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) only limited copies of the voters list — while excluding other political parties — was particularly troubling for the AFC, reflecting a pattern of exclusion in the electoral process. They remarked on the need for greater transparency, citing, “The disorganised system for facilitating access to polling stations on Election Day” as a further impediment to fair elections.
One of the core issues discussed was the waning influence of civil society. Both the AFC and the Carter Center lamented the current state of civil society advocates in Guyana, whose voices have diminished drastically over the years. The AFC, pointing out significant gaps in democratic engagement, asserted that “constitutional reform and campaign financing require urgent attention.” However, they expressed a grave concern about the apparent disinterest of the PPP in addressing these reforms. The AFC contends that the ruling party is merely “going through the motions to appease the international community,” rather than actively engaging in meaningful changes.
The meeting also spotlighted the ongoing issue of limited access for opposition political parties to state media and news outlets aligned with the PPP. The AFC has consistently raised alarms about the media landscape in Guyana, arguing that it hampers genuine democratic discourse. The silence of the Carter Center report on the PPP’s alleged misuse of data collected during the cash grant process to influence voters was also highlighted; the Centre acknowledged this oversight, having observed such activities first-hand.
The AFC specifically, and Guyana generally, have maintained a strong relationship with the Carter Center, recognising the latter’s decades-long commitment to fostering democracy in our country. Their collaboration began in the 1990s when the Centre first observed elections here, resulting in what many hailed as the first credible democratic exercise in nearly three decades. This longstanding partnership continues to be pivotal as the AFC seeks to build a more democratic society.
The Carter Center, founded by former US President Jimmy Carter in 1982, is renowned for its dedication to promoting human rights and democratic governance worldwide. Since 1989, it has conducted extensive election monitoring missions across numerous countries, advocating for electoral integrity and the strengthening of civil society. The Centre’s emphasis on creating frameworks for electoral standards aligns with the AFC’s calls for reform and transparency within GECOM.
In reflecting on the significance of this meeting, it’s evident that the Carter Center’s engagement with the AFC serves as a renewed demand for accountability. The findings from the Centre point towards a systemic failure within GECOM that must be addressed if we are to secure a fair electoral future. The AFC’s commitment to constitutional reform and advocacy for democratic principles is crucial, especially when faced with a ruling party that appears disinterested in genuine reform.
