Guyana

Guyana's Ali Claims Election Victory

Published SEP 4 2025

Story

Above: Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his wife Arya greet the media after voting in the Sept. 1, 2025 presidential election in Leonora, Guyana. Image credit: Keno George/AFP/Getty Images

The Facts

President Irfaan Ali claimed victory in Guyana's general election after his People's Progressive Party secured at least 242,000 votes and majorities in eight of the country's 10 electoral districts, though official final results have not yet been published.
BBC News
Barrons
The newly formed We Invest in Nationhood party, established just three months ago by businessman Azruddin Mohamed, placed second with approximately 109,000 votes, displacing the long-standing A Partnership for National Unity as the main opposition.
Guardian
CNW Network
Guyana has the highest proven crude oil reserves per capita in the world after ExxonMobil discovered billions of barrels in 2019, with oil production quadrupling the state budget to $6.7 billion since production began.
France 24
Barrons
Despite economic growth of 43.6% in 2024, the highest in Latin America, 58% of Guyanese live in poverty, according to a 2024 Inter-American Development Bank report.
CNW Network
Barrons
International observers from the Carter Center and the European Union reported the vote occurred without major incidents but noted an uneven playing field created by the ruling party's use of public resources during campaign activities.
Mercopress
Barrons
Tensions with Venezuela escalated on election day when Guyana claimed Venezuelan troops shot at a boat carrying election officials in the disputed Essequibo region, which contains much of the country's oil reserves and is claimed by both nations.
Times Now
TRT Global

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Ali's victory represents a clear mandate from voters who trust his proven track record of delivering tangible improvements. The PPP has successfully channeled oil revenues into building roads, hospitals, and schools while making university education free. Economic growth has reached unprecedented levels, making Guyana one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

Bloomberg.com

Guyana Times

Narrative B

The election results mask serious concerns about corruption and mismanagement of the nation's oil wealth. Despite unprecedented revenues, most Guyanese remain trapped in poverty while government spending fuels inflation. Opposition leaders have documented grave irregularities in the voting process and called for recounts — raising questions about the legitimacy of these results.

The Conversation