Info
Disclaimer: This section of Comparative Data is not being updated.
Users should be aware that data may be inaccurate. If you find inaccuracies please
contact the ACE facilitators .
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, Art. 11A (2)
Verified: 2015/05/11
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . The legislature (national/subnational)
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
GECOM (Guyana Elections Commission): http://www.gecom.org.gy/faq.html
Verified: 2015/05/08
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: 'Constituencies are delimited for election purposes as ten (10) electoral (geographical) constituencies identical to Guyana's ten (10) Administrative Regions.'
Source: GECOM (Guyana Elections Commission): http://www.gecom.org.gy/faq.html
Verified: 2015/05/08
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2015/05/11
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
m . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
h . Other
Comments: The President is popularly elected in direct elections. Any list of candidates for an election shall designate not more than one of those candidates as a Presidential candidate. An elector voting as such an election in favour of a list shall be deemed to be also voting in favour of the Presidential candidate named in the list.
Source: Constitution, art. 89, 91 & 177
Verified: 2015/05/10
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The President shall appoint an elected member of the National Assembly to be Prime Minister of Guyana.
Source: Constitution, art. 101
Verified: 2015/05/10
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 89 - 98
Verified: 2015/05/10
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 51 - 52
Verified: 2015/05/11
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art 60.
Verified: 2015/05/10
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
k . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 51.
Verified: 2002/07/08
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
c . Largest Remainder Method (Quota)
Comments:
Source: Constitution (Amendment) Act No 2 of 2000.
Election Laws (Amendment) Act No 15 of 2000.
Verified: 2015/05/10
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Regional/provincial level
Comments: The legislature has a total of sixty-five (65) members. Twenty-five (25) are elected from geographical constituencies and forty (40) are awarded on the basis of Block Votes secured using the LR-HARE Formula
Source: Election Law (Amendment) Act No. 15 of 2000, section 11 and 12.
Verified: 2015/05/10
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, art. 51.
Verified: 2004/09/03
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Gender - Women.
Source: Election Law (Amendment) Act no. 15 of 2002, section 11 B(5).
Verified: 2004/09/03
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
c . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 51.
Verified: 2002/07/08
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments: Seats are awarded on the basis of an electoral quota. The total number of valid votes cast divided by the number of seats contested will determine seats allocation.
Source: Election Law (Amendment) Act No. 15 of 2000.
Verified: 2004/09/03
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, art. 51.
Verified: 2004/09/03
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, art. 51.
Verified: 2004/09/03
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length) b . Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom) c . On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
Comments: a) Five years.
b) Monday.
c) President by proclamation.
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, art. 51.
Verified: 2004/09/03
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments: The law allows for voting to take place on one day, between the hours of 6 a.m and 6 p.m.
Source: Representation of the People Act, art. 103, section 66.
Verified: 2004/09/03
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislaure consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, art. 51.
Verified: 2004/09/03
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments: Some aspects are covered by Guyana's Constitution and the rest are in different pieces of legislation including the Election Laws Act of 1996 and the Representation of Peoples Act of 1964
Source: Constitution, articles 59-79.
Guyana Election Laws Act
Representation of the People Act
Representation of the People (Adaptation and Modification of Laws) Act
Verified: 2015/05/11
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments: The laws are basically the same with some amendments over the years.
Source:
Verified: 2004/09/03
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections
Comments:
Source: Constitution, articles 71-81.
Verified: 2015/05/10
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy; International IDEA Compulsory voting list (http://www.idea.int/vt/compulsory_voting.cfm)
Verified: 2015/05/10
LF005
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
Answer:
c . National elections are held on the same day as regional elections only
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2006/11/21
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
b . Presidential elections are held on the same day as national legislative elections
Comments: The law requires this to be so.
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2006/11/21
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: "64. All questions as to the membership of the National Assembly shall be determined by the High Court in accordance with the provisions of article 163"
Source: Constitution, article 64.
Verified: 2015/05/10
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2006/11/21
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Candidates b . Parties c . Voters
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2006/11/21
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
c . Superior Court
Comments: In Guyana, it is the "Court of Appeal".
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2006/11/21
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
a . Election Management Body b . Legislative Committee c . Government d . Specially Appointed Committee
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments:
Source: "Constitution of Guyana", art. 162 (http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GY/guyana-constitution-1996/view)
Electoral Law: "Local Authorities (Elections) Act 1990", art. 4
(http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GY/guyana-local-authorities-elections-act-1990/view)
Verified: 2015/05/11
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature d . A national government department
Comments: "The budget is prepared by the Secretariat and finalised through consultation between representatives of the Commission and the Ministry of Finance prior to its approval by the National Assembly."
Source: "Elections Laws (Amendment) Act No. 15 of 2000", sec 21
(http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GY/guyana-election-law-amendment-act-no-15-of-24/view)
Verified: 2015/05/11
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: "The budget is prepared by the Secretariat and finalised through consultation between representatives of the Commission and the Ministry of Finance prior to its approval by the National Assembly."
Source: "Elections Laws (Amendment) Act No. 15 of 2000", sec 21
(http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GY/guyana-election-law-amendment-act-no-15-of-24/view)
Verified: 2015/05/11
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
c . For an unspecified period
Comments:
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Q34 - Guyana Electoral Commission FAQ
(http://www.gecom.org.gy/faq.html)
Verified: 2015/05/11
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
d . Presidential/ Prime Minister appointment
Comments: The combined opposition forces in Parliament via the leader of the opposition, submits to the President a list of six names not unacceptable to the President. From this list, the President, appoints the Chairman of the Elections Commission.
Source: Constitution Amendment Act No. 2 of 2000, section 3.
Verified: 2004/09/03
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: "Constitution of Guyana", art 62
(http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GY/guyana-constitution-1996/view)
Verified: 2013/07/01
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: 7 members
Source: "Constitution of Guyana", art 161, sec 3
(http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GY/guyana-constitution-1996/view)
Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Verified: 2015/05/10
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
a . Partisanship
Comments:
Source: "Constitution of Guyana", art 161, sec 3
(http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GY/guyana-constitution-1996/view)
Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Verified: 2015/05/10
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State d . Opposition
Comments: The President and the opposition select the EMB members.
"In addition to the Chairman, the Constitution (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2000 also provides for the appointment of six (6) members of the Commission in the following manner -
(a) Three (3) members appointed by the President, acting in his own deliberate judgement.
(b) Three (3) members appointed by the President acting on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition after he has meaningfully consulted the non-governmental opposition parties represented in the National Assembly."
Source: "Constitution of Guyana", art 161, sec 3
(http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GY/guyana-constitution-1996/view)
Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Verified: 2015/05/10
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body b . Regional Electoral Management Bodies c . Local/County Electoral Management Bodies f . Local Governments g . NGOs/ Civic Organizations h . Political parties/ candidates i . Media j . Religious Institutions
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2015/05/10
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2015/05/10
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: http://www.guyanatimesgy.com/2015/05/09/gecom-says-it-is-ready-for-e-day/
Verified: 2015/05/10
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement c . Simulation exercises d . Music and theater e . Public meetings f . Mail-outs h . Other
Comments: h.) Phamplets, workshops for special groups, eg. youths.
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
VE005
Question: What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement c . Simulation exercises d . Music and theater e . Public meetings f . Mail-outs g . Internet h . Handouts (printed material)
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
VE006
Question: Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
Answer(s):
a . Disabled b . Young people/ first time voters c . Women e . Indigenous groups f . Illiterates
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 59
Verified: 2015/05/11
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence d . Naturalization
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 59
Verified: 2015/05/11
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal Incarceration c . Detention d . Mental disability
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: Guyana Elections Commission
Source: Constitution, Art. 161A
Verified: 2015/05/11
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
b . Voters register
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
c . Periodically (or before each election)
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
e . Appearance by voter at registration office h . Mobile election registrar
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: No provisions in law regarding the registration of political parties in order to participate in an election.
Source: IFE 2006.
Verified: 2015/05/11
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, art 51.
Verified: 2004/09/03
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship c . Country of birth d . Residence f . Registration
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Guyana, article 53
Verified: 2015/05/11
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
k . No information available
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, art 51.
Verified: 2004/09/03
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship c . Country of birth d . Residence e . Citizenship of parents f . Registration
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2006/11/20
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration b . Detention c . Criminal record d . Naturalization e . Offences against electoral law f . Holding of military office g . Holding of government office h . Bankruptcy or Insolvency i . Unpaid debt j . Physical health problems k . Mental health problems l . Multiple Citizenship
Comments:
Source: Constitution, section 155.
Verified: 2004/09/03
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration b . Detention c . Criminal record d . Naturalization e . Offences against electoral law f . Holding of military office g . Holding of government office h . Bankruptcy or insolvency i . Unpaid debt j . Physical health problems k . Mental health problems l . Multiple Citizenship
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Neither in presidential nor legislative elections
Comments: Part II (Lists of Candidates) in the Representation of the People Act details how party lists must be submitted for candidacy. no provisions for independent candidates can be found.
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Representation of the People Act, art 9 - 11
Verified: 2015/05/11
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2006/11/20
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, art 51.
Verified: 2004/09/03
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2006/11/20
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
c . Indirect
Comments:
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Verified: 2015/05/11
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
d . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2006/11/20
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
c . Based on current legislative representation d . Based on number of candidates put forward in present election
Comments: c and d) applies only to free media access.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Verified: 2015/05/11
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2015/05/11
PC018
Question: If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
j . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
PC020
Question: Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
j . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2006/11/20
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties listed) d . Categorical (only one mark allowed) g . Different ballots used in different constituencies i . Party symbols in black and white m . Organized alphabetically o . Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
s . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties/candidates listed) d . Categorical (only possible to make one mark) f . Same ballot papers used nation-wide i . Party symbols in black or white m . Organized alphabetically o . Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station officials
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, sec 84
Verified: 2015/05/11
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
a . Separate ballots for different elections b . Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box c . Tally of voters who voted d . Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters e . Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused) f . Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud g . Single tallying as voters are being called out h . Double tallying as voters are being called out i . Tallying by party representative and/or observers as votes are being called out j . Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate l . Counted by hand m . Sorted by party list p . Copies of results of the count are publicly posted at the counting site immediately on the completion of the count q . Copies of results are provided to observers r . Observers and party agents are permitted to take their own copies of the results s . Copies of results are provided to party agents
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
b . Sub-district level
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
d . National level
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
a . Physically transported b . By telephone c . By fax d . Telex/Telegraph e . Radio
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
c . Signatures on sealed envelopes e . Accompanied by election officials f . Accompanied by party representatives g . Accompanied by military personnel h . Accompanied by police or other security personnel i . Accompanied by observers
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, art 88.
Verified: 2015/05/11
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
a . Political parties b . An individual candidate c . Election officials
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
a . National Election Management body b . Regional Election Management body c . Local Election Management body
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
b . days:
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2009/11/04
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
h . No information available
Comments: There are no set criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties. It is the consideration of individual media houses to determine how much free time, if at all, would be allocated to political parties.
Source: Vishnu Persaud, Guyana Elections Commission
Verified: 2015/05/11
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
c . No
Comments: No. In 2011 Guyana attempted to hold the country's first presidential debates, however they were cancelled.
Source: Vishnu Persaud, Guyana Elections Commission
Guyana Chronicle, http://www.guyanachronicle.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35386%3Ancn-presidential-candidates-debate-cancelled&Itemid=12
Verified: 2015/05/11
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: Vishnu Persaud, Guyana Elections Commission
Verified: 2015/05/11
Direct Democracy
Voting Operations
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections h . By proxy
Comments: e) Only in areas of extremely low population density and which are cut off from regular traffic.
h) In special cases eg, hospitalisation.
i) If someone arrives to vote only to find that for whatever reason someone else has voted already in that name. Such votes are not counted.
Source: Representation of the people Act, art. 27, 30
Verified: 2015/05/11
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
b . Yes
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
a . At special advance polling centers
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions,
elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: f.) Only the disciplined services.
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Dr. Steve Surujbally, President of the Elections Commissions, elections(a)sdnp.gy
Verified: 2004/09/03
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Representation of the People Act, Art.72
Verified: 2015/05/11
Forgot your password?
