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This engagement forms part of the EU EOM’s broader efforts to meet with key stakeholders across Guyana’s electoral landscape; including civil society, the media, political actors, electoral authorities, and the private sector; in pursuit of a comprehensive and impartial assessment of the electoral process.

GCCI President, Mrs. Kathy S. Smith, opened the meeting by emphasising the critical importance of timely and transparent electoral outcomes to preserve investor confidence and economic momentum, especially given the protracted results process of the 2020 elections.

Mrs. Smith also confirmed that GCCI has submitted its application for accredited observer status, as has been done in previous elections, and has engaged the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to facilitate training-of-trainers for its observer team.

“We at GCCI remain impartial and committed to observing and reporting our findings to the Election Day Command Center, as we have done in the past. Whatever the outcome, it must reflect the will of the people and the development of the economy must not be stymied,” she stated.

Mr. Kai Schaefer, Election Analyst of the EU EOM, engaged on topics of electoral preparedness, the role of the private sector, and the promotion of transparency and peace throughout the election period.

Mr. Schaefer clarified that while the mission is deployed by the European Union, it operates independently of the EU Delegation based in Guyana. He shared that on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, the EU EOM deployed 14 Long-Term Observers across all 10 regions of the country.

The EU team is observing all aspects of the electoral process, including election administration, the legal framework, conduct of the campaign, involvement of civil society, and media coverage. The mission is led by Chief Observer Robert Biedroń, who heads the 50-person team conducting an impartial observation and assessment of the electoral process as the country prepares for the General and Regional Elections.

Councillor and Immediate Past President Kester Hutson, Secretary Kristia Ramalgan-Prescott, and Councillors Paul Archer, Keon Howard, and Eusi Evelyn represented the GCCI at the meeting. From the EU EOM team, Mr. Kai Schaefer was accompanied by Mr. Junior Paul Chanderpaul, Election Analyst Assistant.

Yesterday’s engagement with the EU EOM reflects GCCI’s continued commitment to constructive, non-partisan participation in the democratic process and to safeguarding the integrity of Guyana’s electoral framework.