GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, says Guyana is proving that it is a matured democracy and she is proud of the election day process.

Theriot headed the US Embassy’s team that was among observer groups that monitored Monday’s elections and the process that has followed with the counting and tabulating of the results.

“I am so incredibly proud of the Guyanese people and the GPF (Guyana Police Force) and everyone who has ensured that this election has been peaceful and calm. I was out in Linden all day on election day, and I also visited some polling stations here in Georgetown, and everything was smooth and efficient and organised, it was such a beautiful thing to see. Guyana is clearly proving that surely it is a matured democracy.”

The US Ambassador however said she observed the need for more accessibility to accommodate persons with disabilities, as there have been complaints that several polling places were without that accessibility. She said the overall process was conducted well.

“It was really heart-warming to watch the GECOM officials help handicapped individuals get to be able to vote. They were incredibly kind and helpful, but it doesn’t address the issue of the need to have handicapped accessible polling stations. The other thing, I saw a few people forgetting their ID, but then they would use a passport instead and swear to an affidavits and signed the form and it would all work out, I did not see anyone being denied voting, everyone brought their documents and it worked out, and so no, I did not witness any irregularities,” she said.

Six parties contested Monday’s elections in the 10 electoral districts across the country.

The US Embassy and other diplomatic missions in Guyana served among the accredited observers for the elections.