Guyana President Irfaan Ali claims victory in general election

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has claimed a decisive victory in the general election, positioning himself for a second term as the country navigates an oil-driven economic transformation and ongoing tensions with Venezuela. President Irfaan Ali proclaimed victory on Wednesday, citing preliminary results that indicate his People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) won over 240,000 votes and secured seven of Guyana’s ten electoral districts. He stated that the numbers are clear and reflect an overwhelming mandate from the people, although official final results have not been released and some parties are calling for recounts. The election, held on Monday, marked a significant shift in the political landscape. The newly established We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, founded by business magnate Azruddin Mohamed just three months ago, emerged as a strong contender, potentially overtaking the traditional opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). This change signals a dynamic shift in Guyanese politics amid the backdrop of economic changes. Guyana is experiencing unprecedented economic growth, with GDP nearly quintupling in five years due to oil production that began in 2019. However, despite this boom, poverty remains rampant, with 58% of the population living in poverty according to a 2024 report by the Inter-American Development Bank. This disparity has been a central issue in the election, highlighting the challenge of translating national wealth into individual prosperity. Ali’s government has channeled oil revenues into extensive infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, and hospitals, and has made higher education free. While these initiatives are popular, opposition leaders like Amanzia Walton-Desir argue that government spending is contributing to inflation and that wealth is not trickling down to the poor, with allegations of corruption undermining public trust. A critical backdrop to the election is the territorial dispute with Venezuela over the Essequibo region, which contains much of Guyana’s oil reserves. Tensions flared on election day, with Venezuela accusing Guyana of provocation, highlighting the geopolitical stakes and the need for diplomatic management in the coming term. International observers from the Caribbean Community, Commonwealth, European Union, and Carter Center commended the peaceful conduct of the polls but expressed concerns about an uneven playing field, citing the use of public resources for campaigning and issues with the voters list. They emphasized the need for transparency and implementation of past recommendations to ensure electoral integrity. As Guyana awaits final election results, Ali faces the challenge of ensuring that oil wealth benefits all citizens, addressing poverty, and managing external relations, particularly with Venezuela. The outcome will shape the country’s future in a rapidly changing economic and political environment, with implications for regional stability and development.