Four of the six presidential candidates contesting Guyana’s General and Regional Elections have already cast their ballots, reporting largely smooth experiences at polling stations across the country.
Polls opened promptly at 06:00 hrs, with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Leader Aubrey Norton being the first candidate to vote at the Plaisance Secondary School, East Coast Demerara.
Norton’s only concern was the positioning of the voting booth, which he argued did not adequately conceal the voter’s body.
“Outside of that, it looks normal,” he told reporters.
Emphasising the importance of the 2025 elections, Norton noted the significance of managing Guyana’s oil wealth responsibly.
“These elections are critical because it’s an opportunity to ensure there is a reallocation of the resources that come from oil to the people of Guyana. It is the first general election after the utilization of oil resources, and we’ve had the opportunity to show the Guyanese people that resources from oil and gas are not reaching them,” Norton said.
He also expressed solidarity with members of the Joint Services who recently came under fire from the Venezuelan shore while escorting GECOM officials and ballots along the Upper Cuyuni River near Bamboo, at the Guyana-Venezuela border.
“I’ve always argued that we need to have technology installed at the border areas so that we can monitor and respond to developments,” Norton added.
Meanwhile, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Presidential Candidate Azruddin Mohamed cast his vote at the Eccles Nursery School, East Bank Demerara. He described the process as “a bit slow” and urged citizens to turn out early.
“I hope that it can be faster throughout the country because we want everyone to cast their vote before 6 pm. I’d like to encourage everyone to come out early and exercise their right,” Mohamed said.
Alliance For Change (AFC) Presidential Candidate Nigel Hughes voted at the Lions Club of Central Demerara Building in Mocha, East Bank Demerara. He praised the process as “flawless,” despite minor discomforts at the polling station.
“I think the AFC has done better than most people expected. There is blackout and all the agents are very hot, but the rest of the process went flawlessly,” Hughes remarked.
Like Norton, Hughes condemned the recent attack on the Joint Services and cautioned Guyanese about possible destabilisation attempts from Venezuela.
“We need to be prepared for Venezuela to take several acts to destabilise. We have to be wary about cyber interventions and other disruptions, particularly through social media,” Hughes warned.
Presidential Candidate of the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), Amanza Walton-Desir, voted at the Eccles Community Centre, EBD.
Polls will close at 18:00 hrs, and according to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), official results are expected to be declared on September 4, 2025.
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