GECOM bans cell phones in polling stations ahead of Guyana elections

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has announced a ban on the use of cell phones inside polling stations for the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections, describing the move as a safeguard to protect ballot secrecy and curb vote selling.

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Vincent Alexander, the opposition-nominated commissioner representing A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), had been pushing heavily for the measure.

In a statement Tuesday night, GECOM said the restriction is part of a broader set of measures aimed at preserving the integrity of the voting process. The Commission highlighted growing concerns about the photographing of ballots as a means of facilitating vote selling, an act outlawed under the Representation of the People Act, Cap. 1:03.

“The integrity of the electoral process is of crucial importance. These measures are designed to ensure that every citizen can cast their vote freely and without undue influence, and that the secrecy of their choice is absolutely protected,” GECOM said.

To enforce the ban, the Commission has outlined a number of procedures:

• Clear notices will be posted outside and inside every polling station stating that cell phone use is prohibited.

  

• Announcements will be made throughout the day reminding voters to switch off their devices before entering.

• Before ballots are issued, polling officials will instruct voters to turn off and set aside their phones on a designated desk or table next to the voting compartments.

• The voter’s ID card, passport, or driver’s licence will be held by the presiding officer and returned only after the ballot is cast.

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• Voting compartments will be arranged so staff and party agents can detect any attempts to use phones while still respecting voter privacy.

• Any attempt to photograph a ballot will be flagged immediately by polling staff or agents and reported to the Guyana Police Force.

GECOM emphasized that collaboration with law enforcement highlights the seriousness of electoral offences and its commitment to “rigorous enforcement” of the law.

The Commission reminded voters that vote selling is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine of G$65,000 and up to six months’ imprisonment.

“These measures align with international best practices for election administration,” the release added, noting that similar prohibitions exist in many jurisdictions worldwide to protect ballot secrecy and prevent fraud.

With less than two weeks before polling day, GECOM appealed to voters to cooperate with the new rules, stressing that they are critical to safeguarding public trust in the democratic process.

“The Commission is committed to upholding the principles of free and fair elections and will take all necessary steps to prosecute those who attempt to undermine the democratic process,” it said.