On September 7, 2025, Guyana witnessed a pivotal moment as Irfaan Ali was sworn in for a second five-year term as president, capping off a fiercely contested election and ushering in a new chapter for the rapidly transforming South American nation. The ceremony, held at the State House in Georgetown, came after the Guyana Elections Commission certified Ali’s victory, confirming that his People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had secured a resounding mandate to continue steering the country through an era of unprecedented economic growth fueled by offshore oil and gas production.
“I am not the president of some Guyanese. I am the president of all of Guyana,” Ali declared in his inaugural address, as reported by EFE. “Our greatest achievements always come when we remain united. Today I commit to being a president for every community, every sector, and every Guyanese.” The call for unity resonated across a population of roughly 850,000, many of whom are grappling with both the promise and the challenges of newfound oil wealth.
Ali’s PPP/C secured more than 240,000 votes—about 55% of the popular vote—guaranteeing 36 of the 65 seats in the National Assembly, according to the Associated Press. The victory was described by the electoral commission as a “resounding victory,” cementing the party’s dominance across eight of the country’s ten electoral districts. The win not only affirmed Ali’s leadership but also represented, in his words, “a vindication of our stellar record over the years.”
The election, held on September 1, 2025, was marked by a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. The newly formed We Invest in the Nation (WIN) party, led by businessman Azruddin Mohamed, surged to become the official opposition, winning about 109,000 votes and 16 seats. This rapid ascent displaced the long-standing opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which managed only 77,000 votes and 12 seats—a sharp drop from its previous standing. The small Forward Guyana Movement captured one seat. Voter turnout, however, was just 52%, a notable decline from the 70% seen in 2020, reflecting both political fatigue and the shifting dynamics of Guyanese society.
The announcement of results was delayed by recounts requested by both WIN and APNU, especially in light of an incident where a boat carrying election officials and ballot boxes was reportedly shot at from the Venezuelan shore in the disputed Essequibo region. Venezuela denied involvement, but the episode underscored the ongoing tensions between the two neighbors over the oil-rich territory, which comprises two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass.
The Essequibo dispute has intensified in recent years, particularly after ExxonMobil’s discovery of massive offshore oil deposits a decade ago. In December 2023, Venezuela held a national referendum in which voters overwhelmingly supported the establishment of a new Venezuelan province called Guyana Esequiba. The Venezuelan government subsequently passed a law in March 2024 prohibiting maps that did not include the disputed region as part of Venezuela. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) responded by ordering Venezuela to refrain from conducting elections or preparing to do so in the disputed territory—a directive Venezuela has openly rejected. The United States, in a congratulatory statement, affirmed its support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly regarding the Essequibo region, and expressed interest in working with Ali’s government to strengthen energy security.
Despite the backdrop of regional tensions, Guyana’s economic story is nothing short of remarkable. The nation posted record growth of 63% in 2022, and the International Monetary Fund projects an average annual growth rate of 14% over the next five years, driven almost entirely by oil and gas revenues. Since the start of offshore oil production in 2019, the state budget has quadrupled to $6.7 billion, according to a 2024 Inter-American Development Bank report. Yet, the same report highlighted a stark paradox: 58% of Guyanese still live in poverty, underscoring the challenge of translating national prosperity into tangible benefits for all citizens.
Ali’s administration has sought to address this disconnect through ambitious social and infrastructure programs. His government plans to begin offering free college tuition this month, increase the monthly minimum wage, more than double pensions to $500 for those aged 65 and older, and cut power bills in half by next year. Major infrastructure projects, including new hospitals, highways, and the construction of two bridges over the Corentyne and Berbice rivers, are also on the agenda, aimed at strengthening internal connectivity and supporting long-term development.
“The government must be seen, heard, and felt in every community, village, and municipality,” Ali emphasized during his swearing-in, as cited by EFE. He credited his outgoing cabinet with laying a strong foundation for what he described as “unprecedented development” and pledged to ensure that the benefits of the oil boom are widely shared. “We will build on the momentum of our oil-driven economy while ensuring that benefits reach all citizens,” he stated.
The rise of Azruddin Mohamed’s WIN party has added a new dimension to Guyana’s political scene. Mohamed, a 38-year-old businessman sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for alleged public corruption—a charge he denies—managed to capture the imagination of many young and working-class voters. Despite U.S. and Guyanese government warnings, more than 100,000 voters supported WIN, making it the main opposition party after just three months in politics. Authorities have since shuttered Mohamed’s businesses and closed his personal and company bank accounts, but WIN’s performance signals a hunger for political alternatives and a shift in the electorate’s priorities.
“Mohamed de-intellectualized politics. He did not worry about things like fiscal policies and GDP,” noted Mark Kirton, a retired international relations professor, in comments to the Associated Press. “He addressed the needs of poor people with cash and other gifts and appealed to youth. In the absence of any counter, that kind of approach must resonate with voters.” U.S. Ambassador Nicole Theriot acknowledged the complications posed by Mohamed’s sanctions, stating, “We wouldn’t be able to work directly with Mr. Mohamed in any sort of transaction or financial situation, but we will be able to work with other parliamentarians and other people.”
As Guyana stands at the crossroads of prosperity and challenge, Ali’s second term promises both continuity and the potential for transformation. The stakes are high: the country must navigate internal divisions, ensure equitable distribution of wealth, and manage fraught relations with its neighbors. With oil revenues swelling state coffers and new political forces emerging, the coming years will test whether Guyana can turn its historic windfall into lasting progress for all its citizens.