UNDP Supports GECOM’s Participation in Technical Cooperation Mission to Ecuador

November 21, 2025

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Electoral Support Project in Guyana and Ecuador, supported a technical cooperation mission aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The mission took place from 13th to 18th November, 2025 in Ecuador.

The visit enabled senior GECOM officials to engage directly with their counterparts at the Consejo Nacional Electoral del Ecuador (CNE) during the country’s national referendum on 17th November, 2025. This engagement offered valuable, firsthand exposure to electoral processes in real time and created space for in-depth exchange on effective practices in electoral management. The GECOM delegation included the Chief Elections Officer, Vishnu Persaud and four senior personnel.

 

GECOM Officials L to R: Khalid Baksh - IT Director, Delon Clarke - Logistics Director, Nardeo Persaud - Civic and Voter Education Director, Vishnu Persaud - Chief Elections Officer, and Gansham Dwarka - Personal Assistant to the CEO

UNDP/H. Kacic

 

This South–South cooperation initiative supports the modernization and strengthening of GECOM’s institutional capacity in key areas, including electoral operations, logistics, civic and voter education, disability inclusion, and results transmission. As electoral systems evolve globally, modernization of voter registration, information systems, polling procedures, and accountability frameworks has become increasingly critical. Technical exchanges such as this ensure that electoral authorities have access to state-of-the-art expertise and sound management practices.

 

Photo: people at an indoor polling station around a ballot box.

Visiting Polling Stations during Referendum

Consejo Nacional Electoral del Ecuador

 

The cooperation between Guyana and Ecuador directly contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By facilitating the sharing of practical knowledge and fostering institutional development, the mission reinforces broader efforts to promote peaceful, transparent, and inclusive electoral processes in Guyana.

 

Visiting Polling Stations during the Referendum

Consejo Nacional Electoral del Ecuador