The 16 December 1968 general elections were the first after independence in May 1966 and the last to be conducted before Guyana acceded to gained Republican status on 23 February 1970. The second election under the system of Proportional Representation it was also the first election, where through postal voting, the Guyanese “diaspora” was permitted to participate in electing the country’s decision makers.

Four political parties - the People’s National Congress (PNC), People’s Progressive Party (PPP), The United Force (TUF), and Guyana United Muslim Party (GUMP) contested all 53 seats.

Over 85% of the electorate exercised the franchise. 312,319 valid votes were cast. Of these 36,475 were overseas ballots, of which 34,429 or 75% were cast in favour of the PNC. Overall the PNC received 174,339 equal to 55.8% of the votes and was awarded 30 seats. The PPP received 113,991 votes equal to 36.5% and 19 seats, the UF 23, 102 votes equal to 7.4%  and four seats and GUMP 899 representing a minuscule 0.3% of the 275,849 of the valid local votes cast.

PNC leader forbes Burnham continues as Prime Minister.

Voter turnout was 85.42%.