Members of Guyana’s Disciplined Services to vote early ahead of general elections

Members of Guyana’s Disciplined Services will cast their ballots on August 22, 2025, ahead of the general electorate, as part of the General and Regional Elections process.

According to the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) standard electoral procedures, votes cast by the Disciplined Services are not counted separately. GECOM spokesperson Ward explained that the ballots are secured in tamper-proof containers and later mixed with the general ballots on Election Day before being counted.

“Traditionally, members of the Disciplined Services vote prior to the general public to allow them to be deployed for security duties on Election Day,” Ward added.

In preparation for the upcoming General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1, 2025, GECOM has appointed ballot officers specifically for members of the Disciplined Services.

A notice published in the Official Gazette announced that Chief Election Officer Vishnu Persaud formally appointed three individuals to oversee balloting within the respective security agencies. These appointments were made in accordance with Section 65I (1)(a) of the Representation of the People Act, Cap. 1:03.

The appointed officers are Areana Britton, who will serve as the ballot officer for the Guyana Defence Force (established under the Defence Act, Cap. 15:01); Sharon Jethu, designated for the Guyana Police Force (established under the Police Act, Cap. 16:01); and Sadhna Boodhanlall, responsible for the Guyana Prison Service (established under the Prison Act, Cap. 11:01).