Guyana goes to the polls today. President Irfaan Ali, in a live broadcast, urged citizens to honour their right to vote, calling it “the very lifeblood of democracy.”
He reminded the nation that this right was won through past struggles, not given freely. “To neglect this right is to dishonour their sacrifice,” he warned, stressing that each voter’s choice is personal and that respecting others’ decisions is key to democracy.
Ali said elections should not divide but unite the country under democracy and sovereignty. He appealed to political leaders and activists to act responsibly, avoid heated words, and show maturity.
The president assured citizens that security forces are ready to keep order, but he said real peace must come from the people themselves: “Peace will prevail not because it is enforced but because it is embraced.”
He asked Guyanese to accept results and work together as one nation, putting aside partisan divisions for the common good. “Let us give them the example of a people who can disagree without discord, who can contest without contempt, and who can choose without chaos,” he said.
The last general and regional elections in Guyana were held on 2 March 2020 after a successful no-confidence vote ousted the then-government.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), led by Irfaan Ali, emerged victorious—but only after an extensive legal battle. A full recount confirmed PPP/C had won 33 of the 65 parliamentary seats, giving them a narrow majority over the incumbent APNU+AFC coalition, which secured 31 seats, with one seat going to a smaller party—a Joinder Alliance.
Following a series of court rulings and final judgments, including from the Caribbean Court of Justice, the recount results stood. Irfaan Ali was sworn in as President on 2 August 2020.
As voters prepare for a crucial 2025 election, Ali’s message is clear: ballots must be cast with respect, honour, and unity.
Source: Guyana Public Information Service.
