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Georgetown, Guyana — Chief Elections Officer Vishnu Persaud confirmed that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Secretariat has not been officially directed to prepare for the 2025 General and Regional Elections, despite public anticipation and political commentary. Speaking at a press conference on November 22, 2024, Persaud clarified the Secretariat’s current position while outlining ongoing preparatory activities that fall under its remit.
“At this time, we, meaning the Secretariat, have not been mandated by the Commission to formally engage in preparations for the conduct of those elections,” Persaud stated. “That notwithstanding, we are aware of our responsibility to ensure readiness for elections as constitutionally required.”
Current Preparations and Limitations
Persaud emphasized that while no formal directive has been given, the Secretariat has initiated preliminary activities that do not require Commission approval. These include reviewing and updating training manuals for polling staff and presiding officers, as well as planning for recruitment and training exercises scheduled to begin in December.
The Secretariat is also working on logistical preparations, including revising procedures for tabulating election results in Guyana’s largest districts, as mandated by recent legislative updates.
Political Context
Persaud’s comments come amid heightened focus on GECOM’s role in the lead-up to the 2025 elections. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had earlier urged GECOM to prioritize election readiness. In a press conference on November 7, 2024, Jagdeo remarked, “GECOM must focus on preparing for the 2025 elections. They have to be ready to conduct these elections sometime by August next year to allow the president the room to decide when he wants to hold the elections.”
Despite such calls, GECOM has faced criticism and scrutiny over its pace and priorities, particularly on matters like voter list maintenance and the potential introduction of biometric verification.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Persaud assured that the Secretariat remains committed to fulfilling its obligations within the legal framework. He highlighted that while certain foundational preparations are underway, the Commission’s official directive is crucial for executing the full spectrum of election-related activities.
“The procedures for conducting elections have not changed. We know what we have to do,” Persaud said. “However, the absence of a formal mandate limits our scope.” The Chief Elections Officer also noted the Secretariat’s proactive measures to address recurring issues, such as updating the voters’ list through routine claims and objections processes.
