The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) today concluded its two month process to elect its Presidential Candidate. Embattled former Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali, has emerged victorious with more than twice the amount of votes than his only competitor.
Today’s vote came down to just two competitors after three of the other contestants dropped out at the last minute. The PPP, in a statement released shortly after the election, explained that immediately prior to the elections, Dr. Frank Anthony, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, and Gail Teixeira withdrew from the contest leaving Ali and his competitor, Anil Nandlall.
According to the party, out of the 35-Member Central Committee, Ali received 24 votes and Nandlall 11. Ali’s victory means that he will be the presidential candidate at the next General and Regional Elections, which could be held as soon as March of this year.
PPP said that after the vote, the four other contenders congratulated Ali and pledged support to working towards victory.
The party offered its assurance that its members are standing firmly behind Ali. “The Party wishes to assure that despite a most rigorous and competitive campaign, the party remains united and stands firmly behind the Presidential Candidate and pledges to work fervently to deliver victory at the polls as we continue to struggle for a better Guyana.”
The 38 year old Ali has been a member of the PPP for over 20 years and a part of the leadership for 15 years where he held the position of Finance Secretary for several years. He served in the Cabinet for 7 years holding the portfolios of Minister of Housing and Water and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
