In a striking show of political force, Guyana’s ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) launched its 2025 re-election campaign Sunday (July 13, 2025) with a high-energy rally at Kitty Market Square in Georgetown.

More than 30,000 supporters turned out for the event, blanketing the city center in a sea of red and signaling what party leaders hope will be another landslide victory.

The rally, which filled the market and spilled into nearby streets, featured music, chants of “five more years,” and a flurry of national and party flags waving under the afternoon sun. It marked the official start of what is expected to be a fierce and closely watched election season in the South American nation.

At the heart of the launch was an address by PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo, who wasted no time contrasting the party’s mobilization efforts with those of its political opponents.

“Now Norton had at his launch 1,200 persons and they called it a green wave… Mohammed had 300 and he called it a blue wave… if they had a wave, this is a tsunami,” Jagdeo declared to a roaring crowd, referring to campaign events recently held by opposition PNCR leader Aubrey Norton and political newcomer Azzrudin Mohammed.

Jagdeo, a former president and long-time political power broker, used the moment to strike a defiant tone, lashing out at the opposition’s track record and claiming the previous APNU+AFC administration mismanaged more than $400 billion in public funds.

“Whatever they stack against us, we are clear on what will happen on September 1st,” he said.

He also criticized what he described as the opposition’s overreliance on digital outreach, suggesting it pales in comparison to the PPP/C’s on-the-ground organizing.

“The internet does not vote, people do,” he said. “And we have the numbers here.”

Throughout the speech, Jagdeo emphasized the importance of voter turnout and disciplined campaigning, urging supporters not to take victory for granted.

“What is important for elections is getting the people out to vote and getting the votes counted,” he told the crowd. “The massive victory we speak of is only possible if we do the work… a victory will not happen by itself.”

He called on party members to fan out across the country and build momentum in the weeks ahead. “We are leaving here to all parts of our country… and you will see the strength of this party across Guyana,” Jagdeo said. “You must be so proud that your party delivered.”

Jagdeo framed the PPP/C’s push for a new term as one built on tangible gains during its time in office, including new jobs, infrastructure growth, improved healthcare and education systems, and direct cash transfers to households.

“It is very easy for us to campaign here because every single one of you has seen how this country has changed… you have experienced the change,” he said.

The rally served as a dramatic opening to the election campaign, setting the tone for what is expected to be an intense and high-stakes contest.

The PPP/C, which swept to power in 2020 after a months-long electoral crisis, is now staking its future on a message of continued development and national unity.