Congratulations to David Granger who has been elected as Guyana’s eighth Executive President. Mr. Granger is a graduate of the 2000 Defense Planning and Resource Management course at the Perry Center. In the years since, he has lent his extensive experience to Perry Center programs serving as a faculty member in 2008 and 2010. On May 11, David Granger’s Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change coalition won the Guyanese national elections with 206,817 votes and unseated the country’s ruling party for the first time in 23 years. International observers praised the electoral process as one that was free and fair.

When Granger arrived at Parliament, his crowds of supporters cheered and honked their horns in celebration. In a break with tradition, Granger was sworn in on the balcony of the Parliament building, a place he chose to show respect for Parliament and democracy. Margaret Lawrence, former broadcaster, presided over the program. Lisa Punch sang the national anthem, which was followed by the national motto. Dr. Steve Surujbally read the proclamation and Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh administered the oath of office. After signing the oath, newly elected President Granger gave a brief address to the Guyanese people, which concluded by saying, “We are here to witness not the swearing in of the party leader but the President of all the people. I shall be a good President for all the people.” His inauguration will take place on May 26, Guyana’s Independence Day, at the national stadium.