In the eyes of regional and international observers, President, Irfaan Ali has assumed office during a most turbulent time; a time which presents unprecedented problems along with old ones.
According to Dr. Desmond Thomas, an international economist based in Guyana and Florida, Ali will have the herculean task of ensuring he resolves social and political problems that have haunted the nation for decades and in some cases, rocked the country’s economic stability. Effectively managing the oil and gas industry, which brings its own myriad of challenges, will also be a significant test for Ali, the international economist noted in his recent analysis.
Even as he seeks to manage the foregoing before the polls and in the midst of a pandemic, Dr. Thomas noted that the marathon five-month stand-off that held Guyana in limbo signals that Ali has another major issue that he must tend to. In this regard, Dr. Thomas articulated that whatever plans the new government has for economic development, electoral reform should be high on the agenda with a strong dose of civil society involvement given its role in setting the stage for further change with stability.
The economist said, “The post-election events underline its urgency, and respected election observers and commentators have recommended it for decades…”
In conclusion, Dr. Thomas said it is necessary to settle underlying social distresses before the next election due by 2025. He stressed that a new system must seek to eliminate the winner-take-all nature of the present system, and establish a more performance-oriented, consensus-based system that fosters inclusion and engagement.
