THE August 1961 general election – over 50 years ago – was one of the most significant in the pre-independence period.Between January and July 18, when the new self-governing constitution came into effect, British Guiana was administered by the Governor, Sir Ralph Grey, KCMG, KCVO, OBE.
General elections took place on August 21, 1961. A new right-wing party, The United Force (TUF), led by Peter D’Aguiar, entered the scene and contested along with the People’s National Congress (PNC) to unseat the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). The result was that the PPP won 20 out of the 35 seats in the Legislative Assembly and Dr. Jagan was appointed premier.
The next General and Regional Elections of major significance was in 1964 and then in 1992.
Pictured is Dr Cheddi Jagan, at the head of the table, with other local political leaders at a meeting in 1961.