By: Javone Vickerie
Georgetown, Guyana – September 2, 2025 – Some voters living with disabilities were left in limbo on Election Day as confusion at polling stations highlighted weaknesses in how the system accommodates them. At a press conference last evening, Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward acknowledged that while training was provided to polling staff, it was not always followed. Reporters described situations where persons living with disabilities had to wait for “higher authority” instead of being promptly assisted by presiding officers.
Ward called the situation “unfortunate” and admitted that this went against the training provided. “What is unfortunate is that the training given to our staff was not adhered to at those specific polling stations,” Ward said. “On the other hand, I have witnessed presiding officers properly facilitating persons with disabilities. My hope is that those voters were eventually able to cast their ballots.” She explained that GECOM has been working with the National Commission on Persons with Disabilities to develop solutions, but many of the needed reforms require legislative changes before they can be fully implemented.
The PRO also addressed late openings at some polling stations, noting that while these occurred at only a “very small percentage” of locations, they still caused frustration among voters, including those already struggling with accessibility challenges. Even more concerning, Ward said, were reports that a polling station closed one minute before the official 6:00 p.m. cut-off. “That is of concern to us… every minute counts,” she stressed.
Not all was negative. Ward confirmed that voters faced no problems using passports, driver’s licenses, or folios in place of ID cards, thanks to recent amendments to the Representation of the People Act. She explained that those without identification could still vote once their names appeared on the official list of electors, provided they took an oath of identity.
Ward also warned voters about misinformation spreading on social media, where activists have been circulating images of Statements of Poll. “GECOM is the only authority to release the election results,” she said firmly. “We urge persons to rely only on GECOM’s website for credible information.”
The most pressing takeaway, however, was the reminder that behind the statistics are human stories: disabled citizens waiting in lines without proper assistance, wondering if they would even be allowed to vote. For Ward, the challenge is clear. “We continue to engage the National Commission on Persons with Disabilities,” she said, but emphasized that until laws are updated and training is properly enforced, lapses like these will continue to test the credibility of the process.
