Granger urges Guyanese voters to exercise their franchise, confident of victory

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – President David Granger Monday urged voters to exercise their franchise and participate in the democratic process of electing a new government for Guyana, even as he expressed confidence that his coalition administration will be returned to office.

Granger, accompanied by his wife, Sandra, were among persons voting early in the general election in which his A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is facing eight other political parties for control of the 65-member National Assembly.

But political observers say the contest will be between his APNU and the main opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has it had been in 2015 when the unity party squeezed home by a slender one-seat majority.

The PPP/C has nominated former housing minister Ifraan Ali to challenge Granger for the head of state position in the country.

“The voting was without incident,” Granger told reporters after casting his ballot, adding “everything went smoothly, the ballot paper had the correct names of the parties and I expect we will have a smooth and successful process.”

He urged Guyanese to go out and vote, saying “first of all, this is not only a democratic right, but a democratic duty of all citizens to participate in this process and I would urge persons who might be a bit tardy to re-think the prospect of ensuring that they get a government of their choice in Guyana.”

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said that polling will be for a 12 hour period, ending at 6:00 pm (local time) and that it is “well prepared” for the day’s activity. 

GECOM said 661,000 people are eligible to vote in the elections.

There are an estimated 2, 339 polling stations scattered across the country.

Tents have also been erected to serve as polling stations and GECOM chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh said that security had been beefed up at all polling stations.

GECOM said that nine political parties are contesting the general elections, while 11 are participating in the regional poll.

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