The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has put forward a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening the administration, transparency, and inclusivity of future General and Regional Elections, following its extensive observation of the 2025 polls. While reaffirming that the elections were peaceful, credible, and reflective of the will of the electorate, the PSC said several structural and procedural improvements would further enhance public trust in the system.
The PSC is urging a national consultation on the governance structure of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), noting that the current arrangement often results in political gridlock. The Commission stressed that it is not calling for an immediate overhaul, but for a careful examination of alternative models used internationally, including smaller non-partisan boards or hybrid technical bodies. According to the PSC, trust in GECOM is central to democratic resilience, and it stands ready to participate in any collaborative review process.
With misinformation spreading rapidly during elections, the PSC has recommended that GECOM establish a dedicated strategic communications unit staffed by trained professionals. The PSC believes that timely updates, clarifications, and factual responses, particularly after the close of polls, would greatly reduce confusion and help the public navigate the period before results are released. A more proactive communication strategy, the PSC notes, would especially help counter false narratives on digital platforms.
Although ballot secrecy was upheld during the 2025 elections, the PSC is calling for formalised, binding guidelines on the placement and orientation of voting booths. Standardisation across all polling stations, it said, would eliminate unnecessary variation and reinforce voter confidence. The Commission suggests simple but effective measures, such as ensuring booths face a wall or privacy screen while preventing the photographing of ballots.
To better accommodate elderly voters and persons with disabilities, the PSC has recommended stricter criteria for the selection of polling places. Priority should be given to ground-floor locations, facilities with ramps, and those offering adequate space for easy movement. While acknowledging the commendable support offered by GECOM staff during this election cycle, the PSC said manual assistance should not remain the default solution. It is proposing a national accessibility audit to guide future improvements.
The PSC praised GECOM’s online publication of Statements of Poll (SOPs) as a “landmark achievement,” but noted that the system can be further strengthened. It recommends investing in improved upload speeds, a clearer user interface, and redundancy features to prevent slowdowns during heavy traffic. Continued enhancement of the digital platform, the PSC said, will ensure rapid, reliable public access to results and limit opportunities for misinformation.
Calling campaign finance reform an urgent national conversation, the PSC recommends establishing a working group to review Guyana’s framework in line with international best practices. Areas for examination include disclosure requirements, reporting timelines, spending caps, and oversight mechanisms. The PSC emphasised that it is not advocating for a specific legislative model at this time, but supports a structured review to develop transparent and enforceable standards.
The Commission also noted that the role of state-owned media in ensuring fairness during elections must be addressed ahead of future polls. It said this remains an important area of consideration for promoting balance and equity in the electoral environment.
Overall, the PSC’s recommendations aim to build on the gains of the 2025 elections, strengthen institutional performance, and reinforce the confidence of voters and stakeholders in the democratic process.
