CEOM Lauds Peaceful Voting, Urges Patience as Results Awaited

September 2 2025

The CARICOM Electoral Observer Mission (CEOM) has commended the conduct of Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections, noting that citizens were able to cast their ballots peacefully and without obstruction.

At a press briefing on Monday, Chief of Mission Josephine Tamai highlighted the professionalism of the Guyana Police Force in maintaining law and order, as well as the efforts of polling staff who managed stations efficiently despite challenges such as staff shortages.

She congratulated the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for ensuring that all polling stations were properly equipped.

The Mission extended praise to political parties, their agents, and supporters for contributing to the overall peaceful atmosphere on Election Day.

Citizens were urged to remain calm, patient, and united as the official results are tabulated, with Tamai stressing that the integrity of the electoral process is essential to Guyana’s democratic future.

While describing the process as generally smooth, the CEOM interim report also noted areas of concern. Stakeholders, including members of the media, expressed frustration over delays in GECOM’s release of information, which hampered the timely dissemination of updates to the public.

The Mission also pointed to the absence of a clear framework for campaign financing regulations, emphasizing the need for a more level playing field in future elections.

Tamai reaffirmed that the will of the Guyanese people will be respected and underscored that the strength of the nation lies in unity, resilience, and a commitment to democracy. A final report from the Mission will be submitted to the CARICOM Secretary-General within a week.

The CEOM visited a total of 324 polling stations across the country.