The Alliance for Change (AFC) says it will not “sit idly by” as the billions of dollars have been approved for operations at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) – a body it says is not fully functional.
In a release to the media today, the party said that despite the absence of oversight by the full Commission, the National Assembly has approved more than $6.9 billion for the operations of GECOM in 2026, including funding for the hosting of the Local Government Election (LGE).
Describing the commission as one in “crisis” the AFC registered its concern that GECOM’s governance structure remains critically impaired.
It noted that the full commission has not met since the 7th of September 2025, making the institution “effectively paralyzed at its highest decision-making level”.
The party noted that without a functioning commission, “no essential preparation for LGE 2026 can be lawfully approved, not the work plan, not the date for nomination day, not the voters list, not the polling stations and not the recruitment staff”.
It added that six key senior administrative roles within GECOM remain vacant, including that of the Deputy Chief Elections Officer, the Assistant Chief Elections Officer, the Accountant, the Information Technology Manager, the Legal Officer and the Chief Security Officer.
“The AFC is sounding a serious national alarm that the party WILL NOT stand idly by while GECOM continues to compromise the integrity of Guyana’s electoral processes. Any attempt by GECOM to hold LGE 2026 under the current deficient structure will irreparably undermine the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process before it even begins,” the AFC emphasised.
It also issued its position and demands as stated below:
- An immediate end to operations conducted without proper oversight, lawful authority & institutional legitimacy.
- The urgent reconvening of the full Commission
- The immediate advertisement and appointment of all critical vacant positions
- And end to all unilateral administrative actions that bypass proper governance
