–President Ali says in appeal to party leaders, candidates, all Guyanese
WITH voters set to head to the polls today, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has issued a national appeal, urging all citizens, especially political leaders and candidates, to uphold peace and maintain order as the electoral process unfolds.
In an early Sunday broadcast message, the Head of State said the conduct of the 2025 polls should set the tone for a spirit of collaboration and dedication to national development.
He said: “I urge every Guyanese, wherever you reside, whomever you support, whatever your station in life, to go forth on Monday and cast your ballot. Do so with confidence, do so with dignity and do so in a manner befitting a proud and free people.
“Vote with assurance that your choice is yours alone, and that the right of your neighbour to make his or her choice is to be respected as zealously as your own.”
Speaking candidly to his fellow party leaders, President Ali reminded them of their responsibility to set an example and letting good sense prevail, respecting the country’s laws and democratic process.
He said: “Let us temper our passion and allow good sense and decency to guide our actions. The eyes of the world are upon us, but more importantly, the hopes of our children are vested in us. Let us not disappoint them.”
He added: “Let us give them the example of a people who can disagree without discord, who can contest without contempt, and who can choose without chaos. I urge that through our actions, we ensure that these elections are peaceful and orderly, that our democracy once more prevails with honour and that our motherland emerge stronger and more united.”
The President remined that the right to vote is a powerful and solemn tool through which citizens shape the direction of the nation and choose the leaders who will guide its future over the next five years.
This democratic right, he stressed, was not freely given, it was won through the hard-fought struggles of those who fought for independence, championed freedom, and resisted efforts to silence voices of the people.
President Ali stated that these elections should establish the foundation for what comes next, a spirit of cooperation, a readiness to find common ground, a focus on national progress, and a renewed dedication to unity among the people.
He stressed that the polls are not the final goal, but rather the starting point for joint efforts to fulfil Guyana’s potential.
“When the ballots are counted and the results declared, let us not allow bitterness, enmity or disappointment to stay in the process,” President Ali said, adding: “Let us not allow divisiveness, hatred or suspicion to corrode the bonds of eternity that binds us as one nation. Instead, let peace and good order characterise these elections as they must characterise the life of our Republic.”
Just as dawn breaks this morning, Guyanese across the country will begin casting their ballots. Both the local security forces and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have reported their readiness for hosting a smooth ballot day. Polls will be opened from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.