The APNU Coalition is urging Guyanese to set aside political and ethnic divisions and vote in the September 1 general and regional elections for a better standard of living. In a statement issued last Friday, the coalition called on citizens to support policies aimed at economic relief, livable incomes, and a fairer distribution of the country’s oil wealth.
“Guyanese aspire to live a comfortable life, without the daily hassles of trying to make ends meet and trying to stretch their dollars. They want living wages and a livable income,” the coalition stated.
The APNU Coalition criticised the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for presiding over four consecutive national budgets—two of which exceeded $1 trillion—while living conditions, it said, have worsened for many.
In 2022, the national budget stood at $552.9 billion; in 2023, it rose to $781.9 billion; by 2024, it reached $1.146 trillion; and in 2025, it climbed to $1.38 trillion. Yet despite these record-breaking figures, half of Guyana’s population still lives in poverty and one-third of children are deprived of three nutritious meals a day, according to international data. In the world’s fastest-growing and resource-rich economy, the cost of living is also spiraling out of control.
The APNU said “We would not be surprised that when Guyanese go to the polling stations, they will vote against the ongoing poverty and economic hardships, the high cost of living, the corruption that channels their money into the hands of PPP friends, families, and favorites; and against the reality that the country’s oil wealth is not reaching them,” the statement read.
Adding to the coalition’s concern is what it described as a troubling electoral environment. The political parties are entering the election fully aware that the current voters list is widely considered bloated, and no new mechanisms—such as biometric voting—have been put in place to reduce the risk of voter fraud.
According to GECOM’s own data, as of February 2025, there are 738,484 registered voters, that is nearly 80,000 more than the 2020 count. Guyana’s population stands at approximately 750,000.
This situation has alarmed a broad cross-section of society, with many acknowledging that the electoral playing field is not level. Observers feel such a crooked and corrupt system benefits the PPP rather than offering a fair opportunity for all parties to compete.
The APNU coalition, however, said that it launches its campaign it will focus on “hope, prosperity, and happiness,” and is committed to ensuring the country’s oil revenues benefit ordinary citizens.
“We will campaign on guaranteeing all households a livable income, free from financial uncertainties,” the coalition pledged, adding that it will prioritise the needs of the people and make sure national resources reach “hands, purses, wallets, and bank accounts.”
Looking ahead to the elections, the APNU Coalition said Guyana has the potential, if managed properly, to become one of the best countries in the world to live in.
“The PPP has had its chance with four oil budgets and has failed. Come September 1st, we will ask the voters to vote for us, as we are well equipped to deliver to them a high-quality life. We will ask voters to let us show what we mean by putting people first.”
