Disciplined Services begin voting in Guyana elections

The Guyana Elections Commission said it was ready for today’s poll which comes a week ahead of voting by civilians.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Monday November 21, 2011 - Members of the Disciplined Services have begun casting their ballots in general elections, a week ahead of civilians.

Polls at 70 locations were scheduled to open at 7 am and close at 7 pm for the soldiers, police and prison officers.

Speaking ahead of the poll, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said all systems were in place to accommodate the just over 6,000 officers who were eligible to vote.

Reports were that members of the Guyana Fire Service and the City Constabulary will vote on November 28 along with registered civilian voters.

GECOM said in a statement the names and “other particulars” of those who cast their ballots today, would be distributed to Presiding Officers at the different polling stations indicating that they have already voted.

Meanwhile, the commission has confirmed it has received all Ballot Papers required for voting in the General and Regional Elections.

“These are stored in a location which is highly fortified and protected under tight security,” GECOM Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally stated.

He said the commission has already dispatched Ballot Papers for voting by Non-Resident Electors attached to Guyana’s Overseas Missions. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)