GECOM: Employers must grant time off for voting on September 1
Key Points(5)
- The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is reminding employers that they are legally required to allow workers time off to vote in the upcoming General and Regional Elections, scheduled for September 1, 2025.
- In a statement, GECOM cited Section 81 (1) of the Representation of the People Act, which mandates that all employers must permit eligible employees—except those voting by proxy—to be absent from work for a reasonable period to cast their ballots.
- “There must be no deduction in pay or any form of penalty for time taken off to vote,” the Commission said, noting that voting is a constitutional right.
- GECOM also urged employees to speak with their employers in advance to arrange their time off and secure the necessary approvals.
- Failure to comply with the law constitutes an election offence.
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is reminding employers that they are legally required to allow workers time off to vote in the upcoming General and Regional Elections, scheduled for September 1, 2025.
In a statement, GECOM cited Section 81 (1) of the Representation of the People Act, which mandates that all employers must permit eligible employees—except those voting by proxy—to be absent from work for a reasonable period to cast their ballots.
“There must be no deduction in pay or any form of penalty for time taken off to vote,” the Commission said, noting that voting is a constitutional right.
GECOM also urged employees to speak with their employers in advance to arrange their time off and secure the necessary approvals.
Failure to comply with the law constitutes an election offence. Employers who deny staff the opportunity to vote—either directly or through intimidation or undue influence—can face fines of up to GYD $65,000 and six months’ imprisonment.
GECOM is encouraging all citizens to make the necessary preparations to ensure they are able to exercise their right to vote on Election Day.
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