Background
Guyana, with a population of just 800,000, has become one of the world’s fastest-growing economies since ExxonMobil began offshore oil production in 2019. The country has already earned more than $7.5 billion in revenues from oil sales and royalties, fueling debates over how to equitably distribute wealth in a society long divided along ethnic lines. The outcome of the September 1 election will shape both domestic development priorities and Guyana’s handling of its lucrative energy contracts.
What happened?
On Monday, September 1, 2025, Guyanese voters head to the polls to elect a president and parliament.
Incumbent President Irfaan Ali of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), in office since 2020, is seeking re-election.
His government has invested oil revenues in roads, schools, hospitals, and made study at the state university free, while funding 20,000 online scholarships.
Opposition parties allege oil money disproportionately benefits well-connected elites. Three parties have pledged to renegotiate Guyana’s Exxon contract if elected.
The new We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by businessman Azruddin Mohamed — sanctioned by the U.S. in 2024 over tax fraud allegations he denies — has gained grassroots momentum with promises of fairer access to housing, health, and welfare.
Why It Matters:
The election will determine how Guyana manages its oil boom, which is central to the country’s future development and global energy markets. A PPP victory could ensure continuity in infrastructure-driven spending, while opposition gains may trigger renegotiation with ExxonMobil, reshaping investor confidence. The entry of WIN highlights voter frustration with entrenched political elites and the risks of corruption narratives in a resource-rich but institutionally fragile state.
Stakeholder Reactions:
- Tanya Mohabir, meteorologist and PPP supporter: Praised government investment in education and scholarships.
- Opposition parties: Accuse PPP of favoring political allies with oil wealth; call for revisiting Exxon contract.
- WIN supporter Carlton Hazelwood: Said he expects Mohamed’s party to improve justice, health, and welfare programs that currently “are not reaching people who need them.”
- PPP leadership: Denies accusations of favoritism, touts infrastructure and social investments.
What’s Next?
Polling runs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2,800 stations. The elections commission aims to deliver results by Wednesday, September 3, seeking to avoid a repeat of the five-month standoff after the disputed 2020 election. Regardless of outcome, Guyana’s new leadership will face immediate challenges in managing oil revenues transparently, ensuring equitable distribution, and balancing investor confidence with public demands for renegotiation.
with information from Reuters
