The embassy in a release said its team of observers found nothing to question the integrity or credibility of this critical phase of the voting process and commends GECOM for its logistical arrangements for this phase of the process.

“Embassy observers were pleased that some locations saw comparatively high levels of overall voter turnout. However, this was not true at all polling places and, at some polling stations, turnout appeared to remain comparatively low.  In addition, a sizable number of prospective voters in some areas arrived at the incorrect polling location or without national Identification Cards. Guyana Elections Commission procedures were wholly adequate to deal with these eventualities, and the polling staff performed admirably in ensuring the integrity of the process, while avoiding voter disenfranchisement.  Even so, these observations point to the need for all stakeholders to redouble voter education and mobilisation efforts in advance of the March 18 general vote. It is our Observer Team’s hope that civil society, media organisations, and political parties will play a key role in this regard,” the release said.

The US Embassy said it will continue to work with other observer groups throughout the Local Government Elections process and will again have teams in the field on March 18 when the general public has the opportunity to vote.

The embassy is encouraging all Guyanese citizens to participate in this historic election.