Guyana’s two main political parties and a newly formed third party concluded their campaigns on Saturday night ahead of Monday’s general elections, holding large rallies and expressing confidence of victory.
The ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), the opposition coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and the new We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party each sought to woo the country’s estimated 757,690 eligible voters for 65 National Assembly seats and 10 regional councils.
President Irfaan Ali addressed PPP/C supporters at Lusignan along the East Coast, highlighting the party’s investments in housing, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. “The smell of victory is in the air; victory for the PPP/C is within reach. Let us not take victory for granted. We have one final hurdle to cross, which is turning out in numbers on election day,” he said. PPP/C General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo also expressed strong confidence in the party’s chances.
APNU leader Aubrey Norton spoke to supporters about “taking back our country” and pledged to restore decency, law and order, and equitable distribution of the nation’s oil wealth. Prime ministerial candidate Juretha Fernandes urged voters not to split their votes, promising to address high living costs and improve the quality of life for all Guyanese.
WIN presidential candidate Azruddin Mohamed, emphasizing his party’s multi-ethnic appeal, said the new party seeks 130,000 votes from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). Former public service minister Tabitha Sarabo-Halley was named WIN’s prime ministerial candidate. “WIN represents the future, a future where every child matters, every citizen prospers, and every dream finds its road,” she said at a Georgetown rally.
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) confirmed it had approved late submissions for key polling agents to ensure fairness and transparency. WIN had previously threatened legal action if its representatives could not monitor voting.
Ahead of the elections, both the private sector and law enforcement have urged peace. The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) condemned “insinuations of intended violence” and called for respect for the rule of law, while Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken assured voters that the Guyana Police Force would maintain a presence to protect citizens’ constitutional rights.
Six candidates are contesting the presidency: incumbent Irfaan Ali (PPP/C), Aubrey Norton (APNU), Nigel Hughes (Alliance for Change), Azruddin Mohamed (WIN), Amanza Walton-Desir (Forward Guyana Movement), and Dr. Simona Broomes (Assembly for Liberty & Prosperity). While seven parties are running, observers predict the election will primarily be a contest between the PPP/C and APNU.
The polls will be monitored by regional and international organizations, including CARICOM, the Carter Center, the Organization of American States, and the Commonwealth.
