The opposition Alliance for Change (AFC) is once again sounding the alarm over the growing number of Venezuelan migrants in Guyana, warning that the lack of clear documentation could compromise the integrity of the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections.
Concerns escalated following a recent sitting of Parliament in which Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn was unable to confirm the official number of Venezuelan migrants residing in the country. Minister Benn initially reported that just over 15,000 migrants were present in Regions 1, 2, 4, and 7, but he later withdrew that figure without clarification.
The AFC noted that a 2023 government release indicated the number of Venezuelans in Guyana had already exceeded 40,000, raising questions about the accuracy of official data. The party also pointed to reports of a growing migrant population in Linden, Region 10—an area not mentioned in the minister’s original statement.
“This discrepancy raises serious questions,” said AFC Chairman David Patterson. “At a time when Guyanese citizens are voicing concerns about the bloated voters’ list and rumours of non-citizens being included, it is unacceptable that the agency responsible for oversight appears unable—or unwilling—to provide clear, accurate figures.”
Patterson argued that the government either lacks control over the migrant situation or is not being transparent about the extent of it. He noted that the issue had also been highlighted at a recent symposium hosted by the University of Guyana.
Calling for immediate action, the AFC urged the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to strengthen voter identification mechanisms, including the use of biometrics and surveillance cameras at polling stations.
While acknowledging the humanitarian context that has driven thousands of Venezuelans to Guyana, the party insisted that the government must take steps to properly document and monitor migrants in order to safeguard national interests and uphold democratic integrity.
“The Government’s failure to properly update citizens on the status of Venezuelan migrants cannot be brushed aside, especially in an election year,” Patterson added.
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