As the political landscape sharpens in anticipation of the general and regional elections set for September 1, 2025, seven parties officially remain in contention following a pivotal Nomination Day on July 14. This moment, marked by a vibrant display of political fervour, saw the remaining parties rally their support and submit their candidates to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
The announcement of the seven parties — A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the Alliance For Change (AFC), the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), the Forward Guyana Movement, the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), and the Horizon and Star Party — comes in stark contrast to the initial interest shown by over twenty parties just weeks before the nomination process began. The decline in numbers, while significant, follows a period of strategic alignments among many opposition groups who sought collaborative strength rather than a fragmented approach to the elections.
At the Umana Yana, the atmosphere brimmed with energy as supporters gathered to showcase their allegiance to their respective parties. Chants resonated through the air, creating a lively and competitive ambiance. The APNU crowd boisterously declared the prospects of their candidate Aubrey Norton, while the PPP/C’s supporters rallied behind Irfaan Ali with chants of confidence, triumphing in numbers. Meanwhile, the AFC and the WIN umbrella featured smaller yet equally fervent groups, urging their candidates — Nigel London and Mohamed, respectively.
Despite the fanfare, the day’s events underscored a serious commitment among the parties present as they navigated the complexities of the nomination process. Each party had until 2 pm to submit their lists of candidates and nominate individuals to manage various electoral roles. Chief Election Officer Vishnu Persaud expressed the significance of this phase as the electoral body prepared to diligently scrutinise each submission to ensure compliance with the requisite regulations. “We are now required to process these lists to ensure that they meet the statutory requirements,” he remarked.
The political climate remains fluid, as the parties that did not submit nominations are still actively engaged in the election through potential alliances. For instance, collaborations are on the cards with figures from ANUG aligning with WIN, while Forward Guyana has formed links with V-PAC, showcasing a commitment to building a unified front against the odds. This strategy seeks to enhance their chances by pooling resources while still adhering to the political ideologies of each party. In contrast, the ALP, led by Simona Broomes, has yet to announce any formal alliance, leaving an open door for partnerships down the line as the campaigning ramps up.
Of note, the PPP/C continues to stand firm in its incumbency, supported by its established political structure while other parties navigate the challenging landscape of collaboration and competition. GECOM has confirmed the registration of 718,715 voters, a number that many Guyanese say is far too large considering our small population. As such, say many analysts, the list is bloated – a fact that will favour the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).
Preparations are underway, GECOM days, to ensure that all statutory requirements are met as GECOM gears up for the monumental task of processing nominations and designing ballots. Persaud indicated the steps necessary to verify candidates, noting the potential for rectification of any discrepancies discovered by the deadline. The body remains committed to an orderly election process, with results expected to be declared swiftly by the start of September 2, provided all goes as planned without requests for recounts.
“From what I know, the Secretariat is working very hard,” noted GECOM Chairman Claudette Singh, emphasising the rigorous efforts underway in anticipation of the elections. In addition, the Commission has outlined logistical measures, including polling station arrangements.
