Commonwealth to look at Guyana’s 2025 basic and regional elections

The Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Botchwey will deploy a Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) to look at the forthcoming basic and regional elections in Guyana, scheduled for 1 September 2025.

Led by Hon. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, former minister of international affairs Tonga, the Commonwealth Observer Group contains eminent Commonwealth residents with distinguished backgrounds in legislation, election administration, diplomacy, human rights, civil society, politics and media, amongst others.

The mandate of the group is to think about components which might have an effect on the credibility of the electoral course of as an entire. Members will assess on whether or not the elections have been carried out in accordance with the requirements for democratic elections to which all Commonwealth member states have dedicated themselves, with explicit reference to the Commonwealth Charter, nationwide laws and different related regional and worldwide commitments.

Announcing the staff in London, Secretary-General Botchwey mentioned:

“The Commonwealth Observer Group is mandated to operate with impartiality and independence. It is empowered to offer recommendations on institutional, procedural, or other relevant matters that could support relevant stakeholders in enhancing the conduct of future elections. This commitment to impartiality and constructive feedback underscores our dedication to supporting democratic processes across our member countries throughout an election cycle.”

The Commonwealth Secretary-General additionally expressed her gratitude to the Chairperson, who will lead the COG, and to every of the eminent consultants, who will take part on this essential democratic train.   

At the top of the train, the Commonwealth Observer Group will submit a report containing their observations and suggestions to the Commonwealth Secretary-General. This report will subsequently be shared with the Government of Guyana, the Elections Commission, political events, and Commonwealth member governments. 

The Commonwealth Observer Group shall be in Guyana from twenty fifth August to 7 September 2025 and shall be supported by a six-member employees staff from the Commonwealth Secretariat, led by Linford Andrews, Adviser and Head of the Electoral Support Section within the Governance and Peace Directorate.

Members of the Commonwealth Observer Group

Chairperson: Hon. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, former Cabinet Minister of Tonga

The Commonwealth Observer Group members, in alphabetical order by nation title, are:

• Mr Shahariar Sadat – Deputy Executive Director, Centre for Peace and Justice, BRAC University – Bangladesh
• Ms Alicia Wallace, Women’s rights activist – The Bahamas
• Ms Angela Taylor, Chief Electoral Officer – Barbados
• Mr Darrell Bradley, Former President of the Belize Senate and Mayor of Belize City – Belize
• Mr Ademola Adeeko, Digital media strategist and communications skilled – Nigeria
• Mr Demion McTair, Communication lecturer, and award-winning journalist – Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Dr Sudarshini Perpetua Fernandopulle, Former Member of Parliament – Sri Lanka
• Ms Terry Dale Ince, Developmental specialist and human rights advocate – Trinidad and Tobago
• Ms Robinah Rubimbwa, Mediator and peace activist – Uganda
• Mr Ben Graham Jones, Electoral Expert – United Kingdom

Commonwealth Observer Group in Guyana 

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Media Contact

• Temitope Kalejaiye, Public Relations and Engagement Officer, Commonwealth Secretariat
• M: +447436032707 |  Email