Georgetown, Suriname – President Irfaan Ali declared victory in this week’s general and regional elections after the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) won seven out of ten electoral districts, securing more than 240,000 votes.
The newly formed party “We’re Investing in the Nation” (WIN), launched just three months ago, made a surprising impact by finishing second with around 109,000 votes.
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“I am not the president of some Guyanese. I am the president of all of Guyana,” he said. “Our greatest achievements always come when we remain united. Today I commit to being a president for every community, every sector, and every Guyanese.”
Ali, 45, credited his outgoing cabinet with laying a strong foundation for the years ahead, describing their record as “unprecedented development.”
He emphasized accountability and promised that the government must be “seen, heard, and felt in every community, village, and municipality.”
Economic growth fueled by oil
Guyana has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, driven by its oil boom.
The country posted record growth of 63% in 2022, and the International Monetary Fund projects average annual growth of 14% over the next five years.
Ali pledged to deliver on his campaign promises, including new social programs and infrastructure projects.
Plans include the construction of two bridges over the Corentyne and Berbice rivers to strengthen internal connectivity.
The president framed his agenda as a continuation of progress, stating that his administration would build on the momentum of the oil-driven economy while ensuring that benefits reach all citizens.
PPP/C secures clear majority
Ali’s swearing-in came just hours after the Guyana Elections Commission formally declared him president-elect, confirming the victory of his People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
The final results gave the PPP/C more than 240,000 votes and 36 seats in the National Assembly, a commanding majority.
The newly formed We Invest in the Nation (WIN) party secured about 109,000 votes and 16 seats, making it the official opposition.
WIN, launched in June by businessman Azurddin Mohamed, who has been sanctioned by the United States, displaced the long-standing opposition coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which won 77,000 votes and 12 seats.
The small Forward Guyana Movement obtained one seat.
The announcement of results was delayed after APNU requested a recount in one district, but the official declaration confirmed PPP/C’s widely expected win.
Who is Irfan Ali?
Born in 1980, Muhammad Irfan Ali was born in the village of Leonora in Guyana’s Demerara West Coast region to Bibi Shariman Neshaw and Mohamed Osman Ali, the son of an Indian-Guyanese Muslim family.
He is a Guyanese politician who has served as Guyana’s tenth and current president since 2020. A member of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Ali previously served as Minister of Housing and Water from 2009 to 2015.
He is the first Muslim to hold office and the second Muslim head of state in the Americas after Noor Hassanali of Trinidad and Tobago.
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