Diplomats engage GECOM on efforts to strengthen electoral systems

Five diplomats representing the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union and France on Thursday met with the leadership of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for discussions on the country’s electoral process and ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral institutions.

The meeting brought together US Ambassador Nicole Theriot, UK High Commissioner Joe Fisher, Canadian High Commissioner Deborah Gomes-Schultz, European Union Ambassador Luca Pierantoni, and French Ambassador Olivier Plançon with GECOM Chairperson and Chief Elections Officer.

According to a statement posted by the US Embassy in Guyana on social media, the discussions focused on Guyana’s electoral process, including the commission’s consideration of recommendations made by observer missions following the September 2025 General and Regional Elections.

The meeting also examined ongoing efforts and priorities aimed at strengthening electoral processes and institutions, particularly in preparation for the next Local Government Elections.

In February, over $6.9 billion in current expenditure was approved for GECOM in the 2026 National Budget to support its operations and the hosting of Local Government Elections.

The allocation covers several election-related requirements, including temporary election-day staff, procurement of materials, printing, transportation, staff training and payments to scrutineers.

The meeting also comes against the backdrop of recommendations made by international observer missions following the 2025 elections.

In its final report released in May, the Carter Center described the September 1, 2025 elections as the smoothest voting process it had observed in Guyana, while noting that changes to the tabulation system had made the process more transparent and verifiable than in 2020.

The centre, however, identified several areas requiring attention, including campaign financing, the use of State resources, media imbalance, the composition of GECOM, and the accuracy of the voters’ list.

Among its recommendations was an independent audit of the voters’ list and reforms to GECOM aimed at strengthening its independence, effectiveness and professionalism.

The centre also called for constitutional and electoral reforms, noting that structural weaknesses continued to affect public confidence in the electoral system.