AG reminds public, election staff of heavy penalties for discrimination, obstructing voters

Attorney General Anil Nandlall on Tuesday night issued a reminder of the serious criminal offences and penalties outlined in the Representation of the People Act, warning that any attempt to obstruct or interfere with voters on election day could lead to fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from voting or holding public office.

Speaking during his weekly Issues in the News commentary, Nandlall drew attention to several key provisions of the law, including Section 178, which makes it a criminal offence for any unauthorised person to obstruct or interfere with a voter’s access to or from a polling station, or to disrupt the duties of election officials and polling agents.

“Any person who interferes with the electoral process—whether by blocking access, intimidating voters, or preventing election staff from performing their functions—can be fined up to $5 million, jailed for three years, and disqualified from voting or contesting elections for five years,” the Attorney General stated.

He made the comments in response to a video circulating online in which Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton reportedly encouraged polling agents to block voters who speak foreign languages. Nandlall denounced the statement as “reckless” and “irresponsible,” stressing that language is not and has never been a legal barrier to voting.

“There is no electoral system in the world that disqualifies a person from voting because of language,” Nandlall said. “To attempt to do so would be discriminatory and unconstitutional. It is also a manifestation of xenophobia—an international offence.”

He explained that Guyana’s electoral laws have long accounted for linguistic diversity. Since 1987, interpreters have been permitted at polling stations to assist voters who do not understand the language spoken. This is done with the approval of the presiding officer, ensuring every registered elector can cast their ballot.

“Our law has always made provision for such scenarios,” Nandlall added. “The right to vote cannot be denied on the basis of language, culture or origin. This is a settled principle not only here, but across Commonwealth countries.”

He also highlighted a precedent from the Caribbean Court of Justice involving a Dominican national who was ruled eligible to vote in Barbados after meeting the one-year residency requirement—another legal feature common to Guyana and fellow Commonwealth states.

Nandlall cautioned that any deliberate effort to spread misinformation or to obstruct voters on election day—especially under false pretences—would not go unpunished.

“These are not empty threats. The law is clear and the penalties are severe. Anyone inciting or committing these offences will face the consequences,” he said.