Dear Editor,
The Bartica United Youth Development Group (BUYDG) is calling for urgent reforms to Guyana’s electoral system, including the transition to biometric voting, the establishment of a clean voter’s list, and the inclusion of eligible inmates in the 2025 elections. These changes are not only essential for aligning with international standards but also crucial for making these necessary reforms a reality in the upcoming elections and future democratic processes.
On December 16, 2024, BUYDG formally submitted a letter to the following key political and governmental leaders:
His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
Hon. Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic
Hon. Mr. Aubrey Norton, Opposition Leader
Hon. Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)
This communication emphasises the need for swift action to modernize the electoral process and ensure the fairness and security of Guyana’s elections.
Key Points of the Press Release:
- Transition to Biometric Voting
BUYDG strongly advocates for the adoption of biometric voting systems (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition) to improve security, reduce fraud, and enhance voter efficiency. The current, outdated manual voting system has led to significant issues in previous elections, including voter impersonation, discrepancies in the voter list, and ballot tampering. As the world moves toward çağdaş, secure systems, Guyana must adopt biometric technology to ensure its electoral system is in line with international standards. This would greatly reduce the potential for fraud, streamline the voting process, and ensure accurate voter identification.
- Clean Voter’s List
BUYDG calls on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to perform a thorough audit of the current voter’s list, removing deceased individuals, ineligible voters, and those no longer meeting constitutional requirements. In past elections, inaccuracies in the voter’s list have been a source of widespread concern and allegations of electoral fraud. A clean voter’s list is essential for ensuring fair elections and rebuilding public trust in the electoral process.
- Inmate Voting Rights
BUYDG renews its appeal for the inclusion of eligible inmates—those who have not been convicted of electoral crimes—into the voting process. This appeal aligns with both Guyana’s Constitution and international human rights standards, as supported by organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS). These international bodies have emphasized the importance of allowing eligible inmates to vote as part of their democratic rights. Denying voting rights to inmates who have not committed electoral crimes is a violation of their constitutional rights, and the group calls for legislation to ensure all eligible citizens are enfranchised.
- Need for New Legislation
BUYDG stresses that new legislation is needed to implement these proposed reforms. This legislation is not only necessary to align with international standards but also critical for creating a çağdaş, secure, and transparent electoral system in Guyana. Without the passage of laws supporting biometric voting, a clean voter’s list, and inmate voting rights, these vital changes cannot be achieved.
- Urgency for Action
BUYDG highlights the importance of cooperation between the government and opposition parties to pass and implement the necessary legislation. Only through collective action can Guyana ensure the 2025 elections are fair, secure, and transparent. These reforms will provide a level playing field, allowing every eligible citizen to participate in the democratic process without fear of manipulation or irregularities.
BUYDG is committed to collaborating with political leaders, government authorities, and relevant stakeholders to facilitate these essential reforms, ensuring that Guyana’s electoral system reflects the true will of the people and upholds the values of democracy.
Yours truly,
Bartica United Youth Development Group (BUYDG)