Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo described the October 5, 1992, General Elections as a defining turning point in Guyana’s modern history, arguing that the restoration of democracy created the conditions for major institutional, economic, and social change.
Dr Jagdeo, who is also the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), made the remarks in a statement issued on 5 October as Guyana commemorated 34 years since the historic elections.
According to Dr Jagdeo, the significance of the 1992 elections went beyond the change of government. He said the return to democratic rule paved the way for stronger national institutions and expanded the rights and freedoms available to citizens.
Among the changes he highlighted were the strengthening of the judiciary, Parliament and the media, along with constitutional reforms aimed at providing greater protection for citizens.
Dr Jagdeo said these institutions marked important gains that should not be treated as permanent or guaranteed. He stressed that preserving democratic freedom requires continued vigilance and public participation.
The Vice-President also linked the restoration of democracy to Guyana’s subsequent economic and social transformation.
He argued that the democratic environment enabled successive governments to tackle the country’s economic difficulties, including its heavy debt burden, while investing in areas such as healthcare, education, housing, infrastructure and employment.
The 1992 elections ended 28 years of PNC rule and restored competitive elections to Guyana after decades of disputed electoral processes. In his anniversary message, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali likewise described October 5 as the moment when Guyanese regained the ability to genuinely determine who would govern the country.
For Dr Jagdeo, however, the anniversary is not merely an occasion to look back on the events of 1992. He used the milestone to emphasise the responsibility to protect the democratic framework established after years of political struggle.
He specifically pointed to the political crisis surrounding the 2020 General and Regional Elections, citing it as an example of why democratic institutions and electoral safeguards must be protected.
Dr Jagdeo maintained that the experience underscored the importance of citizens, institutions, and political actors remaining vigilant to developments that could undermine the electoral process.
The Vice-President also emphasised the broader impact of democratic governance on ordinary citizens. In his assessment, the restoration of democracy gave Guyanese greater freedom to participate in national affairs, pursue economic opportunities and to have a voice in determining the country’s direction.
His comments come as national leaders reflect on the significance of 5 October 1992, with President Ali also calling for the country’s democratic gains to be protected and urging greater national unity and shared prosperity.
Thirty-four years after the landmark election, the anniversary remains a significant part of Guyana’s political history, with the focus now shifting from the struggle to restore democratic governance to the responsibility of preserving and strengthening it for future generations.