Style His / Her Excellency Formation 17 March 1970 | Inaugural holder Arthur Chung | |
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Residence State House, Georgetown Term length Usual term of 5 years, renewable once Succession Prime Minister of Guyana | ||
The President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana is the head of state and the head of government of Guyana, as well as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Republic, according to the Constitution of Guyana. The President is also the Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana.
History and description
When Guyana was declared a republic in 1970, the president was elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term and possessed largely ceremonial powers. After a 1980 referendum, the constitution was amended to make the president an executive post, and the president became known as the executive president. The leader of the party receiving the most votes in a General and Regional Election becomes president, and holds office for the legislature's duration—in practice, five years.
Presidents are counted beginning with President Arthur Chung in 1970. Executive presidents are counted beginning with President Forbes Burnham (first executive president) in 1980.