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While many observers reported what appeared to be a low voter turnout during Monday’s General and Regional Elections, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has urged caution and says only official figures will provide a true picture.

Speaking at a post-poll press conference at the Commission’s media centre at the Regency Suites Hotel in Georgetown, GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, said it was premature to make pronouncements based on impressions.

“I like to deal with numbers, and so to prematurely tell you about turnout will be really a little bit of observation. What might work for you may not work for us. But from a GECOM standpoint, as the electoral management body, I prefer for us to look at numbers before we make such a pronouncement on turnout,” Ward told reporters.

Turnout has been a keenly watched issue in this year’s election cycle. At the last General and Regional Elections in 2020, voter turnout was estimated at between 70 and 72 per cent.

Just last week, GECOM reported an 83 per cent turnout among the Disciplined Services, who traditionally cast their ballots ahead of the general public.  That figure was slightly higher than the 81.8 per cent recorded in 2020.

While official numbers from Monday’s voting are not yet available, Ward stressed that GECOM’s responsibility is to present accurate, verified data. The Commission is expected to provide turnout statistics once all the relevant information is collated from across the country.

In the meantime, Ward reiterated that voting proceeded largely smoothly and peacefully, with procedural issues addressed transparently as they arose.

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Head of the Organisation of American States (OAS) Election Observation Mission, Bruce Golding, on Monday said voting went on smoothly and minor cautionary measures by polling day staff have strengthened confidence in the process.

Golding addressed reporters at St. Gabriel’s Primary School and noted that by mid-morning, observers had visited 340 polling stations across seven regions.

He reported that the process was generally smooth, with the exception of one polling station that opened late.

“By and large, things have been moving smoothly. All of the polling stations we visited, with one exception, opened on time. That one had a difficulty because, when they started out, they didn’t have the screen for the polling compartment,” he said.

Golding explained that the issue was quickly resolved, and further pointed to small discrepancies in the placement of voting screens at a few polling stations — sometimes positioned outward to prevent voters from photographing ballots.

He emphasised that these discrepancies were “more out of an abundance of caution” than any attempt to circumvent procedures.

Some of the observers from the Organisation of American States (OAS) Election Observation Mission, including Bruce Golding on Monday. (Photo: News Room)

The OAS mission praised the professionalism of election staff and the vigilance of party agents.

Asked about the 2020 elections, when disputes arose during tabulation in Region Four, Golding said changes to regulations had since been made to prevent a recurrence.

“I don’t anticipate a recurrence of that problem… I expect that the tabulation will proceed smoothly. I hope it will be a result that reflects the true and free expression of the will of the people,” he said.

He added that the OAS will continue monitoring ballot counting at polling stations and tabulation centres into the night, with a final report to be released once the process is complete.

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Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Gerry Gouveia Jr. on Monday said the voting process has been smooth, orderly, and marked by professionalism across the country.

Speaking to the News Room at St. Rose’s High School, Gouveia noted that 150 accredited observers had been deployed nationwide, and their reports consistently indicated steady voting, minimal issues, and quick resolution of any hiccups. He commended polling day staff for their patience with voters, including those with disabilities or literacy challenges, stressing that while this sometimes slowed the pace, it safeguarded voter rights.

Gerry Gouveia during his interview with the News Room (Photo: News Room)

“GECOM staff have been exceptionally patient in working with the public, including people with disabilities and those with difficulties in reading or writing. That naturally slows things down a bit, but their professionalism and training have been impressive,” Gouveia said.

He also responded to online concerns about the orientation of voting compartments, emphasising that the priority was to protect ballot secrecy while preventing cellphone misuse. He explained that presiding officers had positioned barriers in different ways, but the PSC had not observed any compromise of voter privacy.

“I haven’t seen any instances where the voting compartment exposed the privacy of the vote. The presiding officers are positioning barriers in ways that protect voters while still allowing for necessary visibility,” the Chairman stated.

The PSC Chairman also highlighted the strong presence of party representatives at polling stations, the professional conduct of police officers, and the use of body cameras to enhance transparency without exposing ballots. He said these measures were increasing accountability and public confidence in the process.

“The body cams don’t capture how people vote, but they show the process, raising professionalism and transparency. We’ve had little to no issues or incidents, and we’re hoping that continues right through to the close of polls and the tabulation of results,” he added.

With polls running smoothly, the PSC expressed hope that the orderly approach would continue through the close of voting and the subsequent counting of ballots.

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General Secretary of the PPP/C, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, cast his ballot on Monday afternoon at the St. Paul’s Primary School in Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara and expressed strong confidence in a victory for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) while urging supporters to turn out in large numbers.

Jagdeo told the media that reports from across the country so far indicate a smooth voting process with only minor issues.

“It is a great day for Guyana, and so far from all I have been hearing, apart from the minor glitches, things are going well across the country. We urge people to come out and vote,” Jagdeo said.

He added that the PPP/C has been closely monitoring voter turnout, which he said has been encouraging so far.

“The PPP is very confident going into these elections largely because of our track record and what we continue to offer to the people of this country, but elections are won based on the votes cast and so, I urge all the PPP supporters to get out and vote. Let us cement this victory.

“So far, what I have seen today, it is heading in one direction, it is a PPP/C victory,” the General Secretary said.

He acknowledged that ‘minor’ issues arose at some polling stations, including malfunctioning stamps and slow processing times, but said that these were normal on Election Day.

“There are several reports that are not unusual on polling day, and I do not want to elevate them to intractable problems,” Jagdeo said, adding that all matters are addressed promptly by GECOM when they are identified.

Meanwhile, pointing to an incident in Sophia where the Presidential Candidate of APNU, Aubrey Norton, allegedly tried to rearrange furniture inside a polling station, Jagdeo said: “GECOM intervened and we chose not to elevate it into anything major, but he should not have done that.”

He also spoke of systems put in place for these elections to minimise opportunities for “capricious action” by any actor, including polling agents and GECOM staff.

Jagdeo said he has been assessing reports since 4 am and believes voters are making conscious decisions about the country’s future. He appealed to first-time voters to think carefully about which political party offers the best development plan.

Jagdeo also commended the police and army for maintaining order since polls opened at 6 am.

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday cast his ballot in the General and Regional Elections, calling on supporters to head to the polls to secure victory.

Dr. Ali, who is seeking a second term in the September 1 elections, voted alongside First Lady Arya Ali at the Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre on the West Coast of Demerara. His parents had cast their votes at the same location earlier in the day.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali arrive at their Leonora Polling Place to cast their ballots (Photo: News Room/September 1, 2025)

Speaking with reporters after voting, the President stressed the importance of participation in the democratic process.

“The final part of this journey, this victory, is for all our supporters to come out and ensure that they cast their vote. I continue to encourage everyone to come out in their numbers and seal this victory,” Dr. Ali said.

He highlighted the PPP/C’s campaign message of track record, trust, commitment, and unity, declaring: “We are voting for victory today.”

The President also underscored that the elections must remain peaceful: “This is part of democracy. We must all accept the will of the people.”

On the issue of security, Dr. Ali expressed confidence in the Joint Services, assuring that any unlawful actions will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

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Head of the European Union Elections Observation Mission Robert Biedroń says its observers deployed across all regions of the country witnessed the smooth opening of polling stations for the General and Regional Elections on Monday.

The European Union Election Observation Mission has a total of 50 observers deployed across the country to observe the process.

Biedroń, during an engagement with the press on Monday, said the observers were present “from the very early morning” to monitor the start of voting, and they will remain throughout the day to observe procedures until the close of polls and tabulation.

“We are gathering information, observing the elections…This will give us a very clear picture of the voting process from all of the regions of the country,” Biedroń said.

The observers are transmitting their findings to a central hub in Georgetown, where specialists are analysing the data in real time, Biedroń told reporters.

Voters on the Essequibo Coast (Photo: News Room/September 1, 2025)

He said the team will also monitor the tabulation of the votes at the regional level to provide a comprehensive assessment of the process.

The mission emphasised that its role is impartial and non-interfering, noting that its reports are intended to help improve electoral processes over time.

“We provide impartial, factual reports which are very valuable, I believe, for this country.

“Our presence aims to contribute to a better understanding of the electoral process and over time support its improvements,” Biedroń said.

He urged the nation to have a peaceful Election Day.

“It’s very important for us. We are really keeping fingers crossed for a peaceful and joyful election.

“It’s a day to celebrate democracy, a day where voters are able to make their free and well-informed choices through casting their ballot,” he said.

The European Union Election Observation Mission will present its preliminary findings at a press conference to be held on September 3, followed by a full report with recommendations.

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Chair of the Carter Center Election Observation Mission, Jason Carter, on Monday said the mission’s preliminary findings of the September 1 elections could be released as soon as Wednesday, emphasising that conclusions about the election must be “based on evidence and not based on rumors.”

Carter said the 40-member Carter Center team has been deployed across every region and tabulation center, working alongside other international observers and engaging with political parties.

He added that there have been no significant issues so far and trusts that the vote tabulation will proceed smoothly.

“We’re not going to draw any conclusions, of course, until after the day is over and after the tabulation process is complete,” Carter told reporters at the F.E. Pollard Primary School, a polling station in Georgetown.

He said the mission’s preliminary statement will reflect on Election Day and the tabulation process, and then, “we issue a full report once we have a chance to really compile all of the information.”

Chair of the Carter Center Election Observation Mission, Jason Carter. (Photo: News Room)

Asked by reporters about any issues reported to the observers, he stressed that conclusions about the election must be “based on evidence and not based on rumors.”

Carter noted that the mission has received only positive reports so far.

“When we hear things, we try to go see with our own eyes what’s happening. Thus far, we’ve only had limited reports — even of good things — and we haven’t had a chance to observe any rumors. So far, so good,” he said.

Carter expressed confidence in the transparency of the tabulation process, citing cooperation from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and political stakeholders.

“We feel good that all of the parties are going to be present for the tabulation process.

“The parties understand well the rules, GECOM’s staff understands well the rules, and so we have no reason to think it’s not going to be a smooth process,” the Chair said.

The Carter Centre, which has observed multiple elections in Guyana over the years, has been in the country for several weeks, monitoring the pre-election period, and will remain until the tabulation is concluded.

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The voting process across Guyana for the General and Regional elections on Monday has been marked by efficiency and calm, with citizens reporting that it takes less than a minute to cast their ballots at most polling stations.

A total of 757,690 people are registered to vote in the 2025 elections. At Corriverton, Berbice, Mayor Imran Amin described his voting experience as swift and seamless.

“It was a minute process,” he said, noting that the efficiency of the system means there will be no build-up of crowds at his polling station, where 319 voters are registered.

“You get a person in and out within a minute,” he added.

Voters at the Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre (Photo: News Room/ September 01, 2025)

Amin projected a strong victory for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) as he reflected on the party’s extensive groundwork and public support in the region.

Over at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, President Irfaan Ali’s parents, Bibi Neshaw and Mohamed Osman Ali, also cast their votes early in the day.

Osman praised the process as “very peaceful, quiet and orderly,” while encouraging others to turn out early and patiently await the results.

Neshaw expressed similar sentiments, adding that, as customary, she would remain nearby to assist anyone who needed help navigating the voting steps.

Voters at the Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre (Photo: News Room/ September 01, 2025)

Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain described the polling staff as “very professional.

“Lots of guidance given and very quickly. I think I took a minute,” Hussain said.

In Parika, East Bank Essequibo, another voter emphasised the same smooth experience.

“Everything was peaceful. We had people assisting you to know which section to go. Everything was calm and everybody was respectful,” the voter said, explaining that voting early helped avoid long lines.

She urged others to maintain peace and unity: “This is not about race or anything. This is about coming and exercising your right,” she said.

Across multiple regions, it was reported that polling stations opened on time and the process has remained orderly.

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Four of the six presidential candidates contesting Guyana’s General and Regional Elections have already cast their ballots, reporting largely smooth experiences at polling stations across the country.

Polls opened promptly at 06:00 hrs, with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Leader Aubrey Norton being the first candidate to vote at the Plaisance Secondary School, East Coast Demerara.

Norton’s only concern was the positioning of the voting booth, which he argued did not adequately conceal the voter’s body.

“Outside of that, it looks normal,” he told reporters.

Emphasising the importance of the 2025 elections, Norton noted the significance of managing Guyana’s oil wealth responsibly.

“These elections are critical because it’s an opportunity to ensure there is a reallocation of the resources that come from oil to the people of Guyana. It is the first general election after the utilization of oil resources, and we’ve had the opportunity to show the Guyanese people that resources from oil and gas are not reaching them,” Norton said.

Voters lined up at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School (Photo: News Room/September 1, 2025)

He also expressed solidarity with members of the Joint Services who recently came under fire from the Venezuelan shore while escorting GECOM officials and ballots along the Upper Cuyuni River near Bamboo, at the Guyana-Venezuela border.

“I’ve always argued that we need to have technology installed at the border areas so that we can monitor and respond to developments,” Norton added.

Meanwhile, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Presidential Candidate Azruddin Mohamed cast his vote at the Eccles Nursery School, East Bank Demerara. He described the process as “a bit slow” and urged citizens to turn out early.

“I hope that it can be faster throughout the country because we want everyone to cast their vote before 6 pm. I’d like to encourage everyone to come out early and exercise their right,” Mohamed said.

Alliance For Change (AFC) Presidential Candidate Nigel Hughes voted at the Lions Club of Central Demerara Building in Mocha, East Bank Demerara. He praised the process as “flawless,” despite minor discomforts at the polling station.

“I think the AFC has done better than most people expected. There is blackout and all the agents are very hot, but the rest of the process went flawlessly,” Hughes remarked.

Like Norton, Hughes condemned the recent attack on the Joint Services and cautioned Guyanese about possible destabilisation attempts from Venezuela.

“We need to be prepared for Venezuela to take several acts to destabilise. We have to be wary about cyber interventions and other disruptions, particularly through social media,” Hughes warned.

Presidential Candidate of the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), Amanza Walton-Desir, voted at the Eccles Community Centre, EBD.

Polls will close at 18:00 hrs, and according to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), official results are expected to be declared on September 4, 2025.

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Gunfire from across the Venezuelan border at a Guyanese patrol escorting election officials on Sunday raises questions about Nicolas Maduro’s interest in the elections and reignites concerns raised by members of the US Congress that presidential candidate Azruddin Mohamed is a “puppet” of Maduro.

The Joint Services said a team of Guyana Defence Force soldiers and police officers was escorting nine Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials and ballot boxes along the Upper Cuyuni River near Bamboo, Region 7, when they came under fire at about 14:30 hours. Troops returned fire and manoeuvred the convoy to safety. No one was injured, and no election materials were damaged.

Venezuela’s Maduro had long made claim to the Essequibo region, and questions have been raised about connections with the Mohameds.

A video released last Friday surfaced last Friday showed prominent businessman Nazar “Shell” Mohamed leaving the Venezuelan Embassy in Georgetown, reigniting controversy over his ties with Venezuela. Nazar is Azruddin’s father and appeared on the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) elections rally stage on Saturday night.

When reports of such visits first emerged, the Mohameds, sanctioned by the United States Government, flatly denied them, with Mohamed even daring Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo to produce proof.

Now, in the wake of recent tweets by U.S. Congressmen and Washington’s broader confrontation with narco-traffickers linked to Venezuela, questions are intensifying over the true purpose of Mohamed’s embassy visit.

In June, U.S. Congressman Carlos Gimenez described Guyanese businessman Azruddin Mohamed – sanctioned by Washington and accused of ties to Maduro – as a “pro-Maduro puppet,” urging vigilance against attempts to undermine Guyana’s democracy. Other U.S. lawmakers and diplomats have cautioned that the presence of sanctioned individuals in parliament could damage bilateral relations and destabilize Guyana’s financial system.

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