Guyana’s Governing Party Wins Election
Guyana’s governing party has won a third consecutive term, according to official results released Friday. The party retains a majority in parliament after racially charged elections that prompted accusations of fraud and touched off riots.
The results of Monday’s vote returns to power President Bharat Jagdeo and his People’s Progressive Party, which is largely backed by Guyanese of East Indian descent.
The announcement came a day after police fired tear gas and pellets at stone-throwing black protesters who said their votes weren’t counted. At least two people were injured.
Elections in Guyana often have been disputed and volatile. Citizens of African descent, who make up about 39% of the population, historically vote for the opposition People’s National Congress, and the 47% of East Indian ancestry usually back the governing party.
The governing party should have about 35 seats in the unicameral National Assembly.
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