The European Union Elections Observers Mission (EU EOM) noted the misuse of State resources by the ruling coalition. In the mission’s preliminary report issued, earlier today, it was noted that the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance of Change (APNU+AFC) “used the advantages of incumbency to appeal to voters through development programmes”.
Further to that, the mission said that it saw governmental donations provided in the context of APNU+AFC campaign events, particularly in Region 9 (Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo).
“For example, President Granger was observed delivering govern-
mental donations during the APNU+AFC rally in Sand Creek on 15 February. Several APNU+AFC ministers actively campaigned using state resources in their capacity as ministers.
The Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was also flagged for using State resources at regional level, though to a “lesser extent”, the EU EOM noted.
“To a smaller degree, also PPP/C used regional democratic council resources, namely vehicles, for campaign in Region 5,” the mission reported.
The observer group also reported that vote-buying by distributing food and various goods, in particular in indigenous communities, was a widely reported practice of both APNU+AFC and PPP/C.
EU Observers also cited the “intense” campaigns by the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC, which “polarised” Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese supporters.
“All contestants could campaign freely, although some PPP/C events were disrupted by APNU+AFC supporters,” the mission noted.
The mission also noted that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)’s Code of Conduct, which was introduced less than four days before the elections, could not have been impactful on the campaign.
With regards to the voting process, the mission said that it was well managed and the electors were able to exercise their vote freely.
EU observers noted, however, that some procedural safeguards were not consistently applied. Counting was conducted in a transparent manner, but reconciliation procedures were not always followed. In the absence of clear, written instructions, the mission noted inconsistencies in the results transmission and tabulation process.
This preliminary statement of the EU election observation mission (EU EOM) is delivered before the completion of the entire electoral process. Critical stages remain to be observed, including the tabulation of results and the adjudication of possible post-election petitions. The EU EOM is now only in a position to comment on observation undertaken to date, and will later publish a final report, including full analysis and recommendations for electoral reform. The mission said that it may also make additional statements on election-related matters as and when it considers it appropriate.
