Guyana's Irfaan Ali is sworn in for the second time as president

Guyana's Irfaan Ali of the ruling People's Progressive Party on Sunday was sworn in for a second term as president of the oil-rich South American nation after his victory was ratified by the electoral commission.

Having channeled revenues from the country's relatively recent oil wealth into popular social programs, Ali vowed on Sunday that he would build a diversified economy that would create jobs, raise incomes and secure prosperity.

In the September 1 election, the People's Progressive Party/Civic won 36 seats, three more than in the previous one, official records showed.

The We Invest in Nationhood party won 16 seats, A Partnership for National Unity got 12, and the Forward Guyana Movement secured one.

Ali's government, which took office in 2020, has invested in the construction of roads, schools, and hospitals, and has made tuition at the state university free.

"Our oil and gas sector will continue to grow, expanding production and revenue for our people," Ali said.

"But why stop there? We'll press forward with new exploration on a stronger production sharing agreement, ensuring that the benefits are greater, the gains are wider, and the wealth is truly for the people."