List of Presidents of Guyana: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Guyana from 1970 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Guyana, former leaders, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Guyana: Irfaan Ali (in office since 2020).

Presidents of Guyana in order, with years in office

Arthur Chung

Served: 1970–1980

First president of Guyana, in a ceremonial role.

Forbes Burnham

Served: 1980–1985

Prime minister who became the first executive president under the 1980 constitution; he died in office.

Desmond Hoyte

Served: 1985–1992

Succeeded Burnham and lost the first free election.

Cheddi Jagan

Served: 1992–1997

Won the 1992 election and died in office in March 1997.

Samuel Hinds

Served: 1997

Prime minister who held the presidency from March to December 1997.

Janet Jagan

Served: 1997–1999

First woman president of Guyana, widow of Cheddi Jagan.

Bharrat Jagdeo

Served: 1999–2011

Succeeded Janet Jagan and later became vice president.

Donald Ramotar

Served: 2011–2015

People's Progressive Party president.

David Granger

Served: 2015–2020

Retired army chief who headed a coalition government.

Irfaan Ali

Served: 2020–present

Took office on 2 August 2020 and was re-elected in September 2025.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Guyana

Who is the current president of Guyana?

The current president of Guyana is Irfaan Ali, in office since 2020.

Who were the previous presidents of Guyana?

The presidents and heads of state of Guyana listed on this page, in order, are: Arthur Chung, Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, Cheddi Jagan, Samuel Hinds, Janet Jagan, Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar, David Granger, Irfaan Ali.

Who was the first president of Guyana?

Arthur Chung was the first president of Guyana, in office 1970–1980.

Sources: Wikipedia, List of presidents of Guyana; Government of Guyana (op.gov.gy), Kaieteur News and AP reports, including October 2026 coverage (checked Nov 2026). Presidents since Guyana became a republic in 1970; the presidency became executive in 1980.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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