Guyana presidential election data shows opposition leader wins recount

Preliminary data published by Guyana’s elections commission shows that opposition candidate Irfaan Ali has won a recount of votes in March’s presidential election following accusations the tally was manipulated, Reuters is reporting. 

President David Granger had claimed victory despite observer groups and diplomats from the United States and the European Union saying there were irregularities in the count.

While Guyana’s election commission has yet to officially declare results, initial data shows Ali’s opposition People’s Progressive Party secured enough votes to win 33 seats in the 65-seat legislature, according to Reuters.

Granger’s APNU+AFC party has reportedly secured enough votes to take 31 seats.

The 40-year-old Ali is expected to be sworn in as president. 

The opposition had said the results from the largest voting district had been inflated to put Granger ahead of Ali.

Guyana’s top court found the district’s electoral head had not counted votes in accordance with electoral laws, eventually leading to a country-wide recount.

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