Who are the main contenders in Guyana’s presidential election?
Out of nearly 750,000 Guyanese, voters selected their preferred presidential candidate from a group of six political parties.
However, the major ethnic groups in the country view this election as a contest among three key parties — the incumbent People’s Progressive Party of President Irfaan Ali, led predominantly by Indo-Guyanese; the Afro-influenced main opposition party, A Partnership for National Unity; and the emerging mixed-race party We Invest In Nationhood, headed by Azruddin Mohamed, a Guyanese businessman sanctioned by the US government.
Election results are expected to be announced by Thursday.
Debate over Guyana’s oil wealth drives the election
The political party securing a victory in this election will manage Guyana’s annual revenue from oil and gas production in the ocean, estimated at $10 billion (€8.6 billion), which began in 2019.
Despite possessing one of the world’s largest oil resources per capita, Guyana remains among the poorest countries in Latin America.
Increased cost of living was the major concern among voters during the election on Monday.
Tensions rise with Venezuela
Guyana’s election occurs amid a heated territorial dispute with neighboring Venezuela.
Venezuela has long contested two-thirds of Guyana as its territory.
On Sunday, Guyana accused Venezuela of firing shots on a boat carrying members of Guyana’s election commission in the oil-rich Essequibo region.
Venezuelan authorities deny these allegations.
Guyana reported no injuries or damage to the voting materials on board the boat.
While monitoring the polls, various international organizations were present on the ground.
Due to Guyana’s terrain, which is 95% covered by tropical rainforest, logistical issues were encountered during the election.
Sean Sinico edited this content.
