Irfaan Ali’s Re-Election in Guyana: Was He the Right Choice for the Oil-Rich Nation?

In September 2025, Guyana entered a new political chapter as President Irfaan Ali was sworn in for a second consecutive term. His re-election was no surprise to many observers, given the remarkable economic transformation Guyana has experienced since discovering vast offshore oil reserves.

Yet, the question remains: Was Irfaan Ali the right choice to lead Guyana during this pivotal era?

This article explores Ali’s track record, his vision for the country, the challenges Guyana faces, and whether his leadership represents the best option for an oil-rich nation seeking inclusive growth.

Guyana’s Political Landscape in 2025

The September 1, 2025 general and regional elections marked a shift in Guyana’s political alignment. Ali’s People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) secured 36 out of 65 parliamentary seats, gaining a stronger mandate than in 2020.

The newly formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party emerged as the second-largest political force with 16 seats, while the traditional opposition APNU dropped to just 12.

The results highlighted two realities: Ali maintained the confidence of a majority of Guyanese voters, but dissatisfaction with inequality and oil revenue distribution gave rise to fresh opposition energy.

The Irfaan Ali Record: Achievements of His First TermAli’s first term (2020–2025) was defined by Guyana’s transformation from one of the poorest nations in South America into a rapidly expanding economy.

Under his leadership, GDP growth consistently topped global charts, fueled by offshore oil. But what did this mean in practical terms?

1. Free and Expanded Education

Ali introduced free tertiary education, extending tuition-free schooling from nursery through university. Thousands of Guyanese benefited from scholarship programs, enabling young people to access skills training previously out of reach.

This policy positioned Guyana as one of the few countries in Latin America where higher education is universally free—a legacy that could redefine future generations.

2. Infrastructure DevelopmentBillions in oil revenues were directed toward new schools, hospitals, roads, and housing developments. Key infrastructure projects, such as highway expansions and modernized health facilities, aimed to reduce inequality between urban and rural regions.The government’s focus on infrastructure as a growth driver created thousands of jobs and improved national connectivity.

3. Social Welfare and Cost of Living

Ali’s administration implemented pension increases, raised the minimum wage, and slashed electricity bills. These measures provided immediate relief to households grappling with rising living costs and inflation pressures linked to an oil-driven boom.

4. Economic Expansion through vilLi oversaw a quadrupling of the national budget, which reached $6.7 billion in 2025, up from just $1.7 billion in 2019. Oil exports surged, making Guyana one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Guyana’s Oil Boom: A Blessing and a Burden

Oil has been both a golden opportunity and a challenge. Under Ali, production increased steadily, and new agreements with ExxonMobil and other operators promised even higher revenues.Ali’s government pursued revised production-sharing agreements (PSAs), signaling a tougher stance on ensuring Guyana’s interests were protected. He also committed to investing oil wealth in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, rather than short-term subsidies.

Yet, the oil sector carries risks:Revenue dependency: More than half of government income now relies on oil.Global volatility: Falling oil prices could destabilize public finances.

Dutch disease risk: Non-oil sectors like agriculture and manufacturing risk neglect, potentially undermining long-term resilience.

Ali has repeatedly emphasized the need for economic diversification, but critics argue progress has been slow.

Persistent Challenges During Ali’s First Term

Despite undeniable progress, not all Guyanese have felt the benefits of oil wealth.

High Poverty Levels

According to a 2024 Inter-American Development Bank report, 58% of Guyanese still lived in poverty despite record GDP growth. This raised questions about the inclusivity of Ali’s policies.

Urban-Rural Divide

Rural and interior regions lagged behind coastal cities in access to jobs, healthcare, and education. Critics argue that Ali’s infrastructure push favored urban hubs.

Corruption Concerns

Guyana has long struggled with governance and transparency issues. While Ali’s government pledged accountability, watchdogs noted gaps in public procurement systems and oversight of oil contracts.

Rising Opposition Voices

The emergence of the WIN party reflected frustrations over cost of living, revenue distribution, and a perception that elites were benefitting more from oil than average citizens. WIN’s promise to cut VAT, raise wages, and renegotiate oil deals gained traction among grassroots voters, even if critics questioned the fiscal feasibility.

Ali’s Second-Term Agenda

In his re-election speech, Ali laid out a roadmap for the next five years: Economic diversification: Investment in agriculture, tourism, and technology to reduce oil dependency.

Human capital development: Expanding scholarships, vocational training, and research institutions.

Housing expansion: Building thousands of new homes to address overcrowding and urban poverty.

Social inclusion: Targeted welfare programs for vulnerable groups.

Global positioning: Strengthening Guyana’s voice in CARICOM, the UN, and climate negotiations. Ali’s stated vision is for Guyana to become a “regional leader in sustainable development” while remaining a top global oil exporter.

Was Ali the Right Choice?

Arguments in Favor

1. Proven Leadership Experience

Ali’s first term demonstrated competence in managing unprecedented oil revenues while delivering concrete improvements in education and welfare. Continuity was seen as a stabilizing factor during a period of rapid change.

2. Stability and International Confidence

Investors and international partners view Ali as a predictable leader who balances local demands with global expectations. His re-election reassured energy companies and financial institutions alike.

3. Tangible Social Benefits

From free university education to pension increases, Ali’s policies had immediate positive impacts on ordinary Guyanese.

Reservations and Criticisms

1. Inequality and Poverty

Persistently high poverty rates raise doubts about whether Ali has done enough to ensure oil benefits reach everyone.

2. Oil DependencyCritics warn that Ali’s diversification plans are still mostly rhetoric, leaving the economy dangerously exposed to global oil fluctuations.

3. Political ConcentrationWith WIN rising as a serious challenger, some argue that Guyana needed fresh leadership to break political cycles and deepen democracy.

Oil wealth transformed Guyana’s economy, but poverty and inequality remain.

Guyana’s decision to re-elect Irfaan Ali in 2025 was both a vote of confidence in his track record and an acknowledgment of the need for stability in an oil-driven economy. His leadership has already delivered significant progress, especially in education, welfare, and infrastructure. However, the task ahead is daunting: reducing poverty, diversifying the economy, and ensuring oil wealth benefits all citizens equally.

If Ali succeeds, his presidency could cement Guyana’s transformation into a modern, prosperous state. If he falters, the opportunity of a generation may be lost.

For now, the verdict is clear: Ali was a good choice for continuity, but history will judge his second term on whether he delivers prosperity for all Guyanese.