The United States and Commonwealth nations have welcomed the election of Dr. Irfaan Ali as Guyana’s new president, following the declaration of long awaited election results in the Caribbean community nation.
“Scotland”Michael Kozak, acting assistant secretary of the Bureau of Western Affairs at the U.S. State Department, in a Twitter message, acknowledged “democracy rules in Guyana” and that Ali’s swearing into office reflected “the will of the Guyanese people.
“We congratulate President Ali & look forward to working with all to support Guyana’s development for the benefit of all its people,” Kozak’s message noted in his tweet.
The U.S. had threatened to impose visa restrictions on members of the last Guyana administration as the country spent months awaiting the outcome of the Mar. 2 polls, which was marred by voting recounts and court challenges.
COMMENDATION
Meanwhile, Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland welcomed Ali’s election as the new head of state, thanking his predecessor David Granger for his “stewardship” of the country.
In her congratulatory message, Scotland said retired Justice Claudette Singh, GECOM chairman, had “through challenging times … exemplified the courage, fortitude and grace required to uphold the constitution and the rule of law.”
She said on behalf of the 54-member Commonwealth grouping “I commend the people of Guyana for your continued patience and peace.”
Scotland said that she was heartened by the remarks made by Ali during the swearing in ceremony that he and his government intend to “work in the interest of every Guyanese.”
Ali, 40, was sworn into office on Aug. 2, a few hours after GECOM declared him the elections victor.
