Another GECOM meeting ends in division over prisoners’ voting rights, polling agent concerns
Another meeting of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) concluded with divisions among commissioners, primarily over voting rights for prisoners and arrangements for polling agents.
Following the meeting on Thursday, Commissioner Sase Gunraj explained to the media that allowing incarcerated individuals to vote would require legislative changes that are not currently in place.
“Voting by persons who are incarcerated requires very special circumstances and logistical considerations, which are not catered for in existing legislation,” Gunraj stated. “Without specific legislative guidance, GECOM’s hands are tied.”
The issue resurfaced during the meeting with opposition-nominated commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, and Desmond Trotman strongly advocating for prisoners’ voting rights. However, the majority concluded that current laws do not accommodate voting from prisons.
Another significant point of contention was the ability of polling agents to vote at polling stations other than their designated ones. Gunraj noted that amendments to the legislation now allow political parties to appoint alternate polling agents, resolving previous difficulties.
The commission also agreed to stamp ballots on both halves before separation to avoid invalidation, an issue that had previously caused controversy.
Additionally, the status quo regarding voting rights for Commonwealth citizens who have been legally resident in Guyana for over a year was reaffirmed, despite discussions on the distinction between residency and domicility.
Regarding election preparations, Gunraj indicated the Chief Elections Officer confirmed that all necessary arrangements are progressing as planned for the scheduled September 1 elections.
