As Guyana prepares for its pivotal General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1, 2025, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has publicly welcomed the ongoing support from the United States to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process. Speaking at a recent reception hosted by the US Embassy in Georgetown to mark the US’s 249th Independence anniversary, President Ali underscored the importance of robust democratic institutions and international cooperation in safeguarding the nation’s democracy.
“As Guyana prepares for its upcoming elections, we welcome the continued support of the United States in ensuring a fair, transparent and credible electoral process, as was the case with your support eventually after the 2020 elections,” President Ali stated. He highlighted the critical role the US, along with the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union (collectively known as the ABCE community), played during the 2020 elections, when these nations helped prevent an attempted subversion of the democratic process and imposed visa sanctions on officials involved in electoral fraud.
US Ambassador Nicole Theriot emphasized the enduring commitment to democratic principles, noting, “Democracy is not a gift granted once and forever secured—it is a living commitment that must be nurtured and defended by every generation.” The US government is expected to field an election observer mission and has pledged to embed a Chief Technical Advisor within the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to provide expert guidance throughout the electoral preparations.
International support for Guyana’s electoral integrity is robust. The European Union has already signed an agreement with GECOM to facilitate the deployment of its Election Observation Mission, while Canada has announced plans to collaborate with local organizations and international bodies to promote accessibility, transparency, and fairness. The UK, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, is providing significant technical and financial assistance to strengthen GECOM’s capacity and ensure the elections meet international standards.
Despite these assurances, concerns persist among some civil society groups about the readiness for free and fair elections, citing issues such as an outdated voters’ list and the absence of biometric verification. However, the government and GECOM maintain their commitment to constitutional deadlines and the execution of credible polls, backed by substantial budgetary allocations for voter education and poll worker training.
With the eyes of the international community firmly on Guyana, the stage is set for a closely watched electoral contest, underpinned by a renewed commitment to democratic integrity and international partnership.
