Georgetown: The Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB) said that it deployed over 750 Volunteer Election Day Observers across nine regions on Monday and that the process was efficient and transparent.
In a statement, the EAB said its observers were present at approximately 30 per cent of the 2299 polling places. The EAB, in collaboration with the International Republican Institute (IRI), facilitated a trainer of trainers seminar for Coordinators, and subsequent training exercises were conducted for observers in preparation for the Electoral Observation Mission.
“Overall, polling was conducted in a calm and peaceful way. The initial feedback received from our Observers is that the GECOM polling officials with the support of the Guyana Police Force carried out their duties in a dignified and efficient manner.”
The EAB said the electorate must also be complimented for their behaviour in the exercise of their right to vote – from the official opening of the poll to its closing. Nevertheless, the EAB condemns the isolated cases of disruption, violence and damage to property that took place on the day of the election and its impact on the tabulating process.
The EAB, although challenged by the timely delivery of Identification Cards from GECOM, were able to field observers and will be exploring various methodologies in expediting this aspect of our processes in future elections.
The Bureau appealed to the public, and all other stakeholders to continue to show patience while this election exercise goes to completion, as the official results of the elections are being prepared for declaration by GECOM. The EAB is heartened by the response to its call for volunteers and would like to publicly thank them all for their support and civic mindedness.
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