While praising the voting day process at Monday’s elections, the Commonwealth Observer Group noted several concerns about the overall electoral process in Guyana, and has offered a menu of recommendations.

In presenting the Group’s interim statement this morning, the Head of the Observer Mission, former Foreign Minister of Tonga, Mrs Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, said the Commonwealth team observed the election process in 7 of the 10 Electoral Districts.

She said the group noted a relatively peaceful atmosphere on election, with polling procedures largely respected. GECOM received praise for the work of its election day staff.

Polling stations being inaccessible to persons with disabilities was noted and the Commonwealth team encouraged greater adherence to international good practice aligned with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

On the Guyana Elections Commission, the Commonwealth Group said it has noted with concern, the reports of a significant trust deficit with the Elections Commission and its impact on the perceived credibility of the conduct of the electoral process.

“Several stakeholders expressed concerns about the need for greater transparency in the electoral administration and the level of preparedness of GECOM. The group recommends a review of the legislation around the composition of the GECOM. The present composition compromises its ability to effectively operate and exclude important political stakeholders from deliberations and decision-making. We note with concern the perceptions of mistrust by some of the Official List of Electors and the challenges in resolving its apparent inflated nature. We recommend that measures to address this, including, for example, an enumeration exercise be undertaken”, the Head of the Commonwealth Observer Group told reporters.

The Commonwealth Group has recommended measures be put in place to foster greater inclusion and support for the smaller and newer parties to enable them to better participate in the electoral process.

According to the Commonwealth team, it has noted that GECOM remains without a legal adviser and went into the elections without a legal adviser.

It has recommended that the post be filled as a matter of priority. The Commonwealth team also expressed its worry over the limited implementation of previous recommendations by Observer Missions to Guyana’s elections.

“The group noted with concern the very limited implementation of the recommendations of observer groups over the years. The group encouraged all political stakeholders to give priority to the establishment of a robust post-electoral domestic mechanism that may in short order produce the legislative and constitutional reform needed for the conduct of credible, transparent and inclusive elections”, the Official said.

The group said during its observation of the elections, it was made aware of allegations of intimidation of public sector workers, local business owners, members of civil society groups, and community members who reportedly feared losing employment or economic opportunities if they failed to demonstrate support for a particular party.

The group said it found that the role of civil society, which it sees as an important mechanism for transparency, accountability, and democracy in Guyana, could be significantly strengthened.

It also noted concerns about the disproportionate coverage of the governing party by the state media, and has recommended legislation to provide equitable access for all candidates and political parties.

The Group said it also noted with concern that some members of the private media had reportedly self-censored for fear of victimization.

It also expressed worry over the use of state resources for campaigning purposes, and has recommended regulations of campaign financing.

“The group was concerned about the allegations of the use of state resources for campaigning. The group also found that campaign financing rules are outdated and unenforced and recommends the reform of regulation of campaign financing to promote fairness, transparency and accountability. We note with concern allegations of dissatisfaction with the lack of access to public information, including from the Office of the Commissioner of Information. We recommend that adequate resourcing and empowerment of a mechanism to efficiently respond to public information requests that will promote public transparency and accountability around elections”.

The Commonwealth Group said all political stakeholders should exercise diligence in creating appropriate and inclusive domestic mechanisms to review and implement the recommendations of observers to further strengthen democracy in Guyana, and has also encouraged all relevant stakeholders to contribute to these processes.

The Commonwealth said it remains committed to accompanying Guyana’s democratic strengthening.

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