By the Caribbean Journal staff

Guyanese President Donald Ramotar gave his inauguration statement, congratulating the country on what he called “the latest renewal of our democracy.”

Ramotar also expressed his gratitude to former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who finished his 12-year run in office after the vote.

“These results reflect the democratic will of the people, which is paramount, and which must be respected,” he said. “This is the very essence of democracy and our elections have reaffirmed our maturity as a democratic nation, something of which we should all be proud.”

Ramotar called on the country’s political parties to “cast aside” their “partisan cloaks” and signify a willingness to work together to bring the country forward.

While Ramotar and his PPP/C won the election, they will have to govern without a majority in the National Assembly.

“This new arrangement in our Parliament would no doubt test our maturity as political leaders,” he said. “It will demand that pettiness be put aside and our nation’s well being should always be our most important guiding influence.”

The President said that shortly after the announcement of the results, the leaders in Parliament had a brief discussion, and he was confident that the various parties in the country would be able to work together.

Ramotar said he would name his cabinet within 48 hours.