THE much-anticipated presidential election in the United States is now over. Without a doubt, it is one of the most watched elections in the world, and, understandably so. The United States is considered the biggest economic power in the world, and whatever changes take place at the political and executive levels can have repercussions for the world as a whole.

The presidential race was expected to be close, as polls showed both Republican candidate Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Kamala Harris in a neck-and-neck battle for the White House. In the end, it turned out to be a sweeping victory for former President Donald Trump, who narrowly escaped an attack on his life on the campaign trail. The Republican Party not only won the presidency, but also took control of both the Senate and the House.

Congratulations came pouring in from leaders all across the world. Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali was among the first to extend congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump. President Ali extended ‘heartfelt’ congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump on his victory in the November 5 election. Guyana, he said, looks forward to working closely with the incoming Trump administration to further strengthen the already robust ties between the two nations.

Guyana’s relations with the United States administration improved steadily following the end of the Cold War and the eventual collapse of the then Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). United States foreign policy orientation shifted from anti-communism in favour of democratic rule, good governance, and respect for human rights. It was precisely that changing emphasis that saw the strong advocacy by the United States administration for democratic elections in Guyana. Indeed, through the instrumentality of the Carter Centre, many electoral reforms were made, which included the compilation of a new voters’ list, a more balanced and representative Elections Commission, and the counting of the votes at the place of poll. This latter demand by the political opposition was strongly resisted by the then President, Desmond Hoyte, who described the counting of votes at the place of poll as a ‘logistical nightmare’.

The United States continued to play a role in the strengthening of democracy in Guyana, and along with other democratic nations and international observer groups played a key role in thwarting the subversion of democratic rule by the then APNU+AFC administration in the March 2020 General and Regional elections.

The United States, under the then-Trump Presidency and through Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, took a firm and principled position in its call for then-President David Granger to ‘step aside’ and allow for the democratic will of the Guyanese people to prevail.

The new Trump administration will assume power at a time of enormous challenges, both at the international and national levels. Internationally, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to take a heavy toll on human lives, including women and children. There is also the existential threat posed by climate change. The trade war between the United States and China continues to rage, with no indication of any satisfactory resolution.

Nationally, the economy continues to be under stress, with relatively high inflation rates. Uncontrolled immigration, especially from neighboring Mexico and other Central American countries, is putting additional pressure on the economy, especially in terms of welfare benefits, unemployment rate and declining wages.

It is interesting to see how the incoming Trump administration will respond to these challenges. One thing is, however, certain. With the convergence of interests and foreign policy emphasis on democracy, human rights, and respect for the principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Guyana can look forward to deeper and more enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation with the new Trump administration.