The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) reported that Monday’s General and Regional Elections were conducted smoothly and peacefully across the country, with many issues being promptly addressed in keeping with the law.
Speaking at a press conference on election night, GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, said the Commission remains concerned about the spread of misinformation and moved to clarify several misconceptions.
One of the key issues, she noted, relates to Commonwealth nationals, specifically Bangladeshi residents, who were alleged to have been improperly issued voter identification cards.
Ward explained that under Guyana’s laws, Commonwealth citizens who have legally resided in the country for at least one year are eligible to vote.
She reminded that under the National Registration Act, eligibility extends to either Guyanese citizens or Commonwealth citizens legally resident for a year or more.
She reminded that the electoral process begins with registration, which is guided by the National Registration Act.
Ward assured that GECOM has been addressing concerns transparently, in accordance with the law, and urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation that could undermine confidence in the process.
