ERC engages EU Elections Exploratory Mission ahead of 2025 polls – INews Guyana
SEE BELOW STATEMENT ON ERC ENGAGES WITH EU ELECTIONS EXPLORATORY MISSION
On April 4, 2025, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) met with the team from the European Union (EU) Elections Exploratory Mission to discuss areas of mutual interest. The EU team was led by Spiro Polycandriotis van Duynhoven, Deputy Head of Mission at the European Delegation to Guyana, and included Dr. Lydia Malmedie from the European External Action Service, Dr. Armin Rabitsch, Political-Legal Team Leader for the EU Elections Exploratory Mission, Kairi Kasmann, Head of Sector for Election Observation, Mr. Scipion Du Chatenet, and Mr. Arild Nodland.
The ERC was represented by Shaikh Moeenul Hack, Chairman, alongside Commissioners Chandrowite Sarran, Norris Witter, Krishn Sharma, Neaz Subhan, and Deon Dick (Ras Khafra) and Gomin Camacho, Chief Executive Officer.
The Chairman took the opportunity to highlight the Commission’s efforts during previous elections and outlined the ongoing and upcoming initiatives for the 2025 elections. He emphasized that, in addition to the ongoing Countering Hate Speech campaign, the Commission would be engaging with parliamentarians and political parties as the election approaches.
The Commissioners discussed the crucial role of the ERC in promoting peace and harmony during the election period, emphasizing the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in this endeavor. The ERC plans to deploy 100 campaign monitors and 200 election-day observers for the upcoming elections later this year.
The EU team explained that their presence in Guyana is at the request of the Government to observe the 2025 General and Regional Elections, and the team is currently conducting preliminary assessments. The EU had previously deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) in 2020 and has since maintained ongoing engagement with the ERC.
The Ethnic Relations Commission expressed its appreciation for the EU’s interest and the significance of their presence for the 2025 Elections. The ERC welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with the EU as a valued partner in the process.
