Citing the just released final report of the European Union Election Observer Mission for the Guyana Elections 2025, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin, has issued a call on Guyanese to speak up and call for action to be taken to make the country’s electoral process truly free and fair.

In a post on his Facebook page, High Commissioner Sigouin said the release of the EU Election Observer Mission’s report with its recommendations was a reminder that although improvements have been made and election day was calm, much work is needed to continue strengthening the electoral process.

He said “democracy belongs to the Guyanese People. So speak up, call on your elected representatives, on your National Assembly, on your Government to take action and make the changes needed so that your electoral process is truly free and fair. It’s your right and your responsibility”.

In its report, the EU Election Observer Mission said there is need for key electoral reforms. It called for a review of the current composition of Guyana Elections Commission to guarantee an inclusive and impartial functioning and decision-making. The EU team said the 2025 elections were held in an atmosphere marked by a lack of confidence in the work of the election administration, notably among opposition political parties and some media and civil society organisations.

It said the GECOM structure and decision-making remain heavily influenced by political divisions, and the commission struggles to function in a cohesive manner.

The EU team also called for there to be an update of the voters’ list in light of most recent available population data, and data from all relevant state institutions, ensuring linking to ongoing digitalisation solutions.

The EU Observers also recommended the adoption of clear and comprehensive campaign rules, including for the conduct of public officials and for the use of all types of state assets to avoid undue advantage of incumbency. They also called for the strengthening of the operational oversight for campaign finance through an independent oversight body and revising outdated legal provisions, including expenditure ceilings and permissible expenses.

The EU Observers made several other recommendations as part of their 77-page final report on the Guyana Elections.

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