Why did Britain suspend British Guiana’s constitution in 1953?

In October 1953, the British government suspended the constitution of British Guiana and dispatched troops to the colony following the election of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).1

The suspension was primarily driven by the British authorities' perception that the newly elected government, led by Cheddi Jagan, was pro-communist. British officials were concerned about the potential consolidation of a government with this political orientation. Furthermore, the administration was alarmed by Jagan’s program of radical socioeconomic reforms, as well as the strikes and demonstrations that were encouraged by his party.12

The constitution, which had only recently introduced universal adult suffrage and a ministerial system, remained suspended until 1957.12