UNDP hails Guyana’s 2025 elections as one of the most transparent in history

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has commended Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections as a defining moment in the country’s democratic development, describing the polls as among the most transparent and professionally managed in recent history.

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Held on 1 September 2025, the elections saw President Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) secure 36 seats, an increase of three from the 2020 elections. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officially declared the results at midnight on 7 September 2025, with Ali being inaugurated later that day.

In a UNDP report titled Strengthening Trust in Democracy: UNDP’s Support to Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections, the agency highlighted GECOM’s professionalism, impartiality, and commitment to transparency. The report also credited UNDP’s technical assistance programme—funded by the United Kingdom—for bolstering the Commission’s operations.

“Elections are not merely the act of voting. They are a cornerstone of public trust, institutional credibility, and civic empowerment,” UNDP said, noting that the 2025 polls provided a key opportunity to strengthen citizens’ confidence in democratic processes.

UNDP’s technical support focused on improving transparency, communication, logistics, and operational systems. A multidisciplinary team worked closely with GECOM to provide timely, practical, and responsive assistance, helping build long-term institutional resilience beyond election day.

Reflecting on the smooth conduct of the elections, the Team Lead for UNDP’s Electoral Technical Support to GECOM said: “As Team Leader… it is reassuring when your strategic advice is implemented to unlock bottlenecks throughout the process.”

A key factor in the elections’ success was a transformation in public communication. With UNDP support, GECOM:

• Implemented a comprehensive Communications Strategy

• Developed a Branding Manual and Crisis Communication Protocol

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• Introduced a Media Code of Conduct and Media Policy

• Trained more than 100 journalists on electoral ethics and legislation

These measures ensured that voters and stakeholders received accurate, timely, and consistent information. The programme also prioritised inclusivity, working with organisations representing persons with disabilities and ensuring accessible voter information that reflected Guyana’s cultural diversity.

“The strengthened engagement with all electoral stakeholders ensured the electoral process was more inclusive, credible, and widely accepted,” a UNDP Communications Specialist said.

UNDP reported that with its support, GECOM:

• Assessed 2,790 polling stations nationwide

• Trained 13,925 polling staff

• Secured the movement of sensitive electoral materials

• Strengthened systems across coastal, hinterland, and riverine regions

The agency said it looks forward to deepening its partnership with GECOM and other stakeholders to ensure that future elections continue to strengthen transparency, unity, and civic trust in Guyana.