Tag: voters

GECOM launches online polling station search tool for voters

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has launched a new, user-friendly online search tool designed to help voters easily locate their assigned polling stations.

According to a release, this innovative feature—accessible via GECOM’s official website—aims to streamline the voting process and enhance voter convenience for the upcoming elections. Voters can now use their phones or computers, provided they have an internet connection, to quickly find where they are listed to vote.

The new search tool offers two convenient methods for voters to find their polling station. Voters can input their National ID numbers and click on “Search by ID”.

“Alternatively, they can enter their name and date of birth and then click on ‘Search by Particulars’. Either of these actions will immediately display the polling station where the voter is listed to vote,” the release explained.

GECOM urged all eligible voters to take full advantage of this valuable search tool to ensure a smooth and efficient voting experience. Alternatively, persons can contact GECOM at 225-0277-9 or 223-9650 to find out where they will vote.

“Eligible Electors are advised to ensure that they check the information ahead of time to familiarise themselves with the location and to avoid any uncertainty on Election Day. This crucial information will greatly assist electors to ensure that they go to the correct polling station and smoothly cast their ballot on Election Day,” the release said.

GECOM reiterated its commitment to ensuring that electors are well-informed about the electoral process and able to maintain confidence in a transparent and credible system as they participate in this important democratic exercise.

Jagdeo: Voters must choose between ‘clear, realistic plans’ and ‘empty noise

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Voters must choose between “clear, realistic plans” and “empty noise,” People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said on Thursday, as he promoted his party’s development record and warned against divisive, recycled politicians ahead of the 2025 general elections.

At his weekly press conference, Dr Jagdeo outlined what he described as a “clear and distinct” vision for Guyana’s future, citing progress in job creation, housing, healthcare, education, and support for youth and vulnerable groups.

Dr Jagdeo said the PPP’s programmes are helping young people access education, own homes, and launch businesses through training and financing.

He criticised the opposition Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), accusing them of failing to deliver while in office and urging voters to approach their 2025 campaign promises with scepticism.

Dr Jagdeo also pointed to internal divisions within the opposition, saying they were not positioned to offer a credible alternative to the current government.

Addressing legal issues related to nominations, Dr Jagdeo warned political parties of the risks involved in including dual citizens on their lists, noting that such individuals are disqualified under the law and could be removed if nominated.

He rejected what he described as “fly-by-night political stunts” and urged voters to focus on the party’s record

With Nomination Day approaching, Dr Jagdeo said the PPP is prepared with a full slate of candidates and broad national support. He said the party’s plans for the next decade include infrastructure expansion, poverty reduction, and climate resilience.

GECOM to ramp up voter education campaign

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has intensified its voter education campaign to engage communities, raise awareness, and promote voter participation in the upcoming regional and general elections.

In a release on Friday evening, GECOM indicated that it is rolling out content across television, radio, and social media aimed at providing “accurate information that will contribute to them [citizens] making important decisions regarding their participation in the democratic process.”

Engagements in key public spaces have commenced and include markets such as Mon Repos, Stabroek, and Anna Regina, as well as high-foot-traffic areas like Vreed-en-Hoop and Parika Stelling. Trainee teachers at the Cyril Potter College of Education also benefited from information sessions on July 3.

GECOM’s commitment to reaching diverse segments of the population is further demonstrated through its planned outreaches in Region Two, specifically at Supenaam Waterfront, Suddie and Charity Markets, and the Mainstay/Whyaka and Bethany Mission communities.

Voter education is a mandatory function of GECOM, aimed at empowering Guyanese through a series of engagements that not only inform them of their democratic rights but also explain the electoral systems and processes. This initiative contributes to transparency and aims to build public trust in the electoral process.

GECOM is encouraging the public—especially first-time voters—to visit its website at www.gecom.org.gy to stay up to date on the latest developments and utilise all available educational materials.

Jagdeo calls out ‘untoward motive’ of PNC’s voter verification case

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has described the People’s National Congress case, which was thrown out by the High Court on Wednesday, as another attempt to “steal people’s rights to vote.”
He expressed this view at his weekly press conference on Thursday.
“So, what, in a nutshell, is this all about? The core contention is that if they come to your address today, and you are on the voters’ list but they cannot find you there, you lose the right to vote. That is what they are saying. Imagine you move from one area to another… you lose the right to vote. If you have gone out of the country, they want verification… if you are in hospital or somewhere else, you lose the right to vote. That is what APNU is trying to secure now. They are trying to steal people’s right to vote, and this will affect everybody, not just the PPP alone. You just lose your right as a citizen of the country,” he explained. “And the Chief Justice just said no… the Constitution is quite clear.”

He added: “That is why we cautioned against their version of biometrics. There are already biometrics on the list, but they wanted to give the determination of your right to vote to the 2,500 presiding officers, taking it away from the Constitution of Guyana, which protects all of us, and giving it to 2,500 presiding officers.”
Acting Chief Justice Roxane George dismissed the case brought by People’s National Congress Reform Chief Scrutineer, Carol Smith-Joseph, in the voter house-to-house verification matter.
Justice George noted that the addresses provided to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) at the time of registration must be accepted by the electoral body, as it is not the Commission’s role to verify the addresses claimed by registrants at the time of registration.
She ruled that this information must be accepted by GECOM and included in the National Register of Registrants, followed by the Official List of Electors, in accordance with the requirements of Article 159.