GUYANA'S CHOICE -- The 1997 General Elections


Guyana's brand new democracy will be at work in 1997 as Guyanese go to the polls at the end of that year. This page provides information regarding the major parties contesting the 1997 Elections.

Note that the parties are listed in order of the number of seats they currently hold in Parliament. The parties which hold no seats are then listed in alphabetic order.

Poll!

Participate in the Monthly Tracking Poll! Vote for the Party YOU will support in the 1997 elections.


People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/CIVIC)
Presidential Candidate: Janet JAGAN
Prime Ministerial Candidate: Samuel HINDS
Vice Presidential Candidate: Bharrat JAGDEO

Formed in 1950, the PPP is Guyana's oldest active political party and has since then been under the leadership of Dr. Cheddi Jagan until his recent death in March of 1997. The party, in a coalition with prominent business and social leaders (Civic), won Guyana's first democratic elections in 1992 and currently forms the government. Janet Jagan, one of the original founders of the PPP and also wife of the late party leader, was chosen as the PPP/Civic's Presidential Candidate.


People's National Congress (PNC)
Presidential Candidate: Desmond HOYTE
Prime Ministerial Candidate:

Desmond Hoyte succeeded the late Forbes Burnham (Guyana's first executive president) as leader of the PNC in 1985. The PNC ruled Guyana from independence to 1992 and now forms the main opposition in Parliament with Mr. Hoyte as Leader of the Opposition. Desmond Hoyte was chosen as his party's Presidential Candidate for the upcoming elections.


Working People's Alliance / Guyana Labour Party (WPA/GLP)
Presidential Candidate: Rupert ROOPNARINE
Prime Ministerial Candidate: Nanda GOPAUL
Vice Presidential Candidate: Sheila HOLDER

A socially active political party, the WPA is best known as the party of the late Dr. Walter Rodney, a martyr for Guyanese democracy. The party recently formed an alliance with the newer GLP, led by Nanda Gopaul. The WPA/GLP chose Rupert Roopnarine, as their Presidential Candidate


The United Force (TUF)
Presidential Candidate: Manzoor NADIR
Prime Ministerial Candidate:

A conservative right wing party which targets the business community for support.


Good and Green Guyana (GGG)
Presidential Candidate: Hamilton GREEN
Prime Ministerial Candidate:

Hamilton Green founded the GGG soon after he was evicted from the PNC due to a dispute with its leader. The GGG currently controls the Georgetown Town Council and will be contesting national elections for the first time in 1997.


Guyana Democratic Party (GDP)
Presidential Candidates: Asgar ALLY
Prime Ministerial Candidate:

Asgar Ally founded the GDP not long after he resigned as Minister of Finance off the PPP/Civic government. The GDP has never contested elections and will do so for the first time in 1997.


Guyana's Choice 1997 is maintained by Safraz W. Ishmael. If you have any comments, suggestions or contributions please email [email protected]. Last updated Sunday, September 14, 1997.

Home | News
Handbook | Photos | Elections '97
Economy | Go-Invest | Speeches
Guyanese Directory | Search