The Guyana Elections Fee (GECOM) has introduced a ban on using cell telephones inside polling stations for the September 1, 2025 Normal and Regional Elections, describing the transfer as a safeguard to guard poll secrecy and curb vote promoting.
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Vincent Alexander, the opposition-nominated commissioner representing A Partnership for Nationwide Unity (APNU), had been pushing closely for the measure.
In a press release Tuesday evening, GECOM mentioned the restriction is a part of a broader set of measures geared toward preserving the integrity of the voting course of. The Fee highlighted rising issues concerning the photographing of ballots as a method of facilitating vote promoting, an act outlawed beneath the Illustration of the Individuals Act, Cap. 1:03.
“The integrity of the electoral course of is of essential significance. These measures are designed to make sure that each citizen can solid their vote freely and with out undue affect, and that the secrecy of their alternative is totally protected,” GECOM mentioned.
To implement the ban, the Fee has outlined numerous procedures:
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Clear notices can be posted inside and outside each polling station stating that cellular phone use is prohibited.
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Bulletins can be made all through the day reminding voters to modify off their gadgets earlier than coming into.
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Earlier than ballots are issued, polling officers will instruct voters to show off and put aside their telephones on a chosen desk or desk subsequent to the voting compartments.
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The voter’s ID card, passport, or driver’s licence can be held by the presiding officer and returned solely after the poll is solid.
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Voting compartments can be organized so employees and get together brokers can detect any makes an attempt to make use of telephones whereas nonetheless respecting voter privateness.
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Any try to {photograph} a poll can be flagged instantly by polling employees or brokers and reported to the Guyana Police Pressure.
GECOM emphasised that collaboration with legislation enforcement highlights the seriousness of electoral offences and its dedication to “rigorous enforcement” of the legislation.
The Fee reminded voters that vote promoting is a prison offence, punishable by a positive of G$65,000 and as much as six months’ imprisonment.
“These measures align with worldwide finest practices for election administration,” the discharge added, noting that comparable prohibitions exist in lots of jurisdictions worldwide to guard poll secrecy and forestall fraud.
With lower than two weeks earlier than polling day, GECOM appealed to voters to cooperate with the brand new guidelines, stressing that they’re important to safeguarding public belief within the democratic course of.
“The Fee is dedicated to upholding the rules of free and truthful elections and can take all vital steps to prosecute those that try to undermine the democratic course of,” it mentioned.
