
In a move that officially fires the starting gun for national elections, President Irfaan Ali on Thursday signed proclamations to dissolve Guyana’s Parliament and all 10 Regional Democratic Councils, clearing the way for general and regional elections set for September 1, 2025.
The announcement, made through the Department of Public Information (DPI), marks the end of the 12th Parliament under Proclamation No. 1 of 2025 in keeping with Article 70 (2) of the Constitution. The Regional Democratic Councils were also dissolved under Article 73 (2), setting the stage for the full renewal of Guyana’s political leadership.
Nomination Day has been set for July 14, when political parties will formally submit their list of candidates to the Chief Elections Officer. Several parties have already secured approval of their symbols and are gearing up for what is expected to be a fierce political contest.
President Ali used a national broadcast to encourage Guyanese to fully engage in the democratic process, stressing the importance of citizen participation in choosing the country’s next government.
“Free and fair elections are the lifeblood of a democratic state,” the President said in a live stream on Facebook. “The upcoming elections represent our country’s commitment to renewing the democratic covenant between its citizens and government.”
As the countdown to September 1 begins, public attention now shifts to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the body tasked with conducting what could be one of the most scrutinized elections in recent years. President Ali expressed full confidence in GECOM’s ability to deliver a clean and credible election.
“I remain confident in its ability to hold free, fair, and credible elections,” he said. “I urge all Guyanese to support the work of GECOM.”
With Parliament dissolved and the political field open, parties are expected to begin campaigning in earnest over the next few weeks. As voters weigh their options, the next two months could prove pivotal in shaping the future direction of Guyana.