President Irfaan Ali has officially declared that Guyana’s general and regional elections will be held on September 1, 2025, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly contested race.

The announcement came during the 59th Independence Flag Raising Ceremony on Sunday night in Berbice. During his address, President Ali also disclosed that the dissolution of Parliament would be proclaimed soon.

Ali, who will be seeking a second and final term in accordance with Guyana’s Constitution, will lead the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) into the polls.

The declaration comes as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) continues its preparations. However, the opposition remains divided on their approach. The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) are still in discussions about a potential coalition, the division of seats, and the choice of a presidential candidate.

Heading into the elections, the opposition has expressed persistent concerns over the voters list, which they argue includes names of deceased persons and migrants, potentially enabling multiple voting and impersonation. GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander, aligned with the opposition, has echoed these concerns.

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Despite repeated objections, the PPPC and GECOM have stood firm, stating that there are adequate safeguards in place to prevent voter fraud. GECOM Chair Claudette Singh has already ruled out the introduction of digital biometrics for voter registration ahead of the elections and rejected exclusive digital voter verification, citing constitutional limitations.

In Berbice, PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo attended the flag raising ceremony and signaled that his party is ready for the campaign trail. “We are ready to deliver our message of continued progress to the people of Guyana in the upcoming election campaign,” Jagdeo said.

Jagdeo pointed to the party’s track record in areas such as social services, tax reduction, infrastructure, housing, and cost of living relief as key campaign strengths.

“Importantly, we did not just deliver on our 2020-2025 manifesto — we exceeded it by listening to the needs of our people and taking decisive action,” Jagdeo stated. “We implemented initiatives that ensured all sections of society benefited — from miners and farmers to public servants, youths, entrepreneurs, and ordinary families in every community.”

Looking ahead to the 2025-2030 term, the PPP is promising to create thousands of new jobs, particularly in healthcare, and to establish new hubs for medical tourism, biotech, and information technology. The education system would also be overhauled to include STEM, artificial intelligence, and digital skills, with increased scholarships and investment in a digital Guyana.

On housing, the PPP plans to allocate 5,000 house lots annually and build climate-resilient communities such as Silica City. The next administration also envisions major national infrastructure upgrades, including bridges, highways, deep-water harbours, modern airports, and waterfront developments.

Jagdeo added that the PPP would push pro-business reforms and support SME financing to expand opportunities for all Guyanese.

While highlighting achievements, Jagdeo also acknowledged that more work remains in key areas such as garbage collection, drainage, community safety, and land access for small miners and farmers.

“The PPP has always stood for democracy, social justice, economic growth, and national unity. That commitment remains unshaken,” he said. “We will continue working to build a Guyana where every citizen – young and old, of every race, gender and religion – has the opportunity for a progressive and prosperous life.”

 



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