GECOM’s ballot box distribution comes under fire from Venezuela side of border

Last Updated on Monday, 1 September 2025, 0:13 by Writer

A Guyana Defence Force and Guyana Police Force joint patrol that was escorting ballot boxes and other materials came under fire from the Venezuela side of the Cuyuni River on Monday afternoon, the Joint Services said in a statement.

No one was injured and the ballot boxes and other materials were transported safely to the three remaining locations -Cumang Landing, Kurutuku, and Dukquarie Landing.

“The patrol immediately returned fire and successfully manoeuvred the escort team out of danger. No injuries were sustained by any personnel, and no election materials were damaged or compromised.”

“Despite the incident, the team safely continued its journey and all remaining ballot boxes were successfully delivered to their assigned polling stations,” the Joint Services said in a statement.

The Joint Services said the incident occurred at approximately 14:30 hours, while escorting nine Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials and ballot boxes along the Upper Cuyuni River in the vicinity of Bamboo, near the Guyana-Venezuela border.

The Joint Services say they remain alert and continue to coordinate closely with GECOM to ensure the security of all election-related operations. An investigation into the incident is underway.