EAB commends peaceful polls

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB) says that the 2015 General and Regional Elections was conducted in a calm and peaceful manner and that should be commendable.

According to the EAB, it deployed over 750 Volunteer Election Day Observers across 9 regions in the 2015 General & Regional Elections, held on Monday. A statement noted that the EAB Observers were present at approximately 30% of the 2299 polling places.

“Overall, polling was conducted in a calm and peaceful way. The initial feedback received from our Observers is that the GECOM’s polling officials with the support of the Guyana Police Force carried out their duties in a dignified and efficient manner,” a statement noted.

The EAB said the electorate must also be complimented for their behaviour in the exercise of their right to vote – from the official opening of the poll to its closing.

“Nevertheless, the EAB condemns the isolated cases of disruption, violence and damage to property that took place on the day of the election and its impact on the tabulating process. The EAB, although challenged by the timely delivery of Identification Cards from GECOM, were able to field observers and will be exploring various methodologies in expediting this aspect of our processes in future elections.”

The EAB is also appealing to the public, and all other stakeholders to continue to show patience while this exercise on going to completion.