By KNEWS

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Security forces played key role in maintaining peace and order on E-day – Pres. Ali

Sep 12, 2025
News

President Irfaan Ali on Thursday praised the members of the joint services for their role in maintaining peace and security during the September 1 general and regional Elections.

His remarks were delivered during the “After Action Review” of Operation Plexus, the security operation conducted by the joint services for the elections. The ceremony was held at the Police Officers’ Mess Annex.

President Ali noted that while political parties and international observers described election day as peaceful, it was the efforts of the joint services, including the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and the Guyana Prison Service (GPF), that ensured order throughout the process.

One week prior to the national polls, members of the joint services cast their ballots in accordance with the electoral schedule.

Speaking at the award ceremony, President Ali highlighted the significance of the joint services’ efforts.

“The work you did on Elections Day was not only about that day. It was about ensuring that Guyana presents itself to the world as a stable, credible, and mature democracy,” he said.

He lauded the officers for standing guard while the nation voted, maintaining calm while results were awaited, and ultimately making democracy visible and functional.

“Your service made the people’s choice possible,” Ali emphasised, noting that around the world, elections can spiral into violence and chaos, but Guyana demonstrated a different path, one of peace, order, and democratic strength.

The President described the joint services’ role as a “shield” that enabled the country to grow in democratic maturity. He stressed that the ceremony was not just a reward but a recognition of the sacrifices made, including long hours, time away from families, and working in tense conditions.

Further, he pledged the government’s continued support to strengthen and equip the joint services. “The peace we enjoyed was not automatic, it was secured. The order we experienced was not natural, it was protected. The democracy we celebrated was not guaranteed, it was defended,” President Ali declared.

Also speaking at the event, Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, emphasised the disciplined and effective execution of Operation Plexus. He explained that the After Action Review is a standard debrief held after national operations, allowing officers and their teams to evaluate their performance and review key events. Brigadier Khan described the 2025 elections as one of the best-managed in his 33 years of service, particularly in terms of establishing a secure environment for the electoral process.

He also commended the joint services for protecting GECOM officials during an attempted territorial interference by Venezuela. “This was an attack toward democracy, but our ranks, including members of the Coast Guard, GDF, and Police force, responded effectively and prevented serious disruption or injuries,” Khan noted.

He expressed confidence in the continued efficiency and professionalism of the joint services in future operations.

To close the ceremony, medals were awarded to officers and ranks recognized for their outstanding dedication and service during the elections.

Elections Day, Joint services, peace and order, President Irfaan Ali