PPP candidate is new Guyana president but he won't have a PPP majority to govern

Donald Ramotar has been declared the winner of the Presidential election in Guyana. However, for the first time since the country gained independence in 1966 the elected president won't have a parliamentary majority.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic coalition leader is expected to be sworn in on Friday. The party has won 32 of the 65 seats, which means it is short of a clear majority in the unicameral parliament.
The national unity partnership (APNU) won 26 setas and the Alliance for Change got the other seven.

The minority situation means Ramotar will need the support of some opposition members to pass legislation, make constitutional appointments, and approve the national budget. 

However there could be a worse political development. The combined opposition could pass a vote of no confidence in the new president and force fresh elections within three months. The constitution does not allow the joint opposition forces to take over the government.

Ramotar is a Russian-trained economist who was the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) general secretary since 1997. 

Outgoing President Bharrat Jagdeo handpicked Ramotar as his successor to ensure continuity. With Ramota in charge, Jagdeo is likely to have a major role in the administration.