Any frontrunner could be maliciously charged by APNU/AFC – Jagdeo

PPP 2020 presidential candidate

…selection process to be fair, determined by Party’s Central Committee

Any candidate who considers himself or herself a front runner for the post of presidential candidate for the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) at the upcoming 2020 elections could find themselves facing malicious, trumped up, or spurious charges for dubious offenses following directions handed down by the ruling APNU/AFC Coalition Government.
This is the view expressed by Opposition Leader and PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo as he responded to questions raised by the media in regard to the likelihood of the next PPP Presidential candidate being singled out for charges.
“I won’t put it past them…They can charge anyone, make up any charge,” Jagdeo responded, as he said the party’s Central Executive Committee (CC) would have to decide on the way forward if such a situation were to arise, and it would cross that bridge if and when the time comes.
His comments come at a time when the Government has been accused of utilising several independent agencies, including the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and senior persons at various levels to achieve political objectives by charging and arresting former PPP MPs, ministers, and other professionals perceived to be PPP.
Jagdeo refused to endorse any candidate or state whom he supports or favours for the post, as he said it would be unethical for him to do so publicly and prematurely, as there is a process to be followed internally.
He also said he would not be inclined to make any such pronouncements publicly, as these are sensitive matters which must be thoroughly determined and debated internally by the PPP and its leaders.
The PPP General Secretary avoided the temptation of also stating whether or not he felt there was anything wrong with people declaring their candidacy in the public, but he did say that careful attention has to be placed on how this is done, and what is said as well as the timeliness of any pronouncements.
Jagdeo insisted that while everyone would have an opportunity to make their case to the party’s executive following the determination of the process to be followed, candidates should be mindful of the statements they make about other would-be competitors, and exactly how much they are willing to divulge to the public to suit the partisan agendas of others, including those anti-PPP elements.
He said the PPP’s Central Executive would be tasked with finding the suitably qualified and experienced candidates to consider for the top post, and not him individually.
“People have an interest in personalising these things, so it seems like I am telling people to toe a particular line,” he said as he warned that his job as GS was merely to state what the PPP position is on particular issues.
“Every candidate will have an opportunity pursuant to that process to make their claim or to pursue…their ambitions”, Jagdeo said sternly.
He made it clear that he was not against anyone declaring an interest in the job, but he argued even more cautiously that respect must be shown for whatever selection process is agreed upon.
The former president has said he does not want to say whether he prefers someone who is from the ‘new or old school’ PPP, but he insisted that his track record and fluid support for youths at every level of the party’s leadership is clear.
“My record as president saw the youngest Cabinet in the history of Guyana; and as General Secretary, saw the youngest Central Committee and Executive Committee in the history of the PPP”, he reminded media operatives.
Jagdeo also explained that he was in favour of all young people accessing opportunities, as he called on all Guyanese to show decorum and civility in the comments that they are making about public officials and those who aspire to high office.
He maintained that the next PPP presidential candidate must also be someone who has the right temperament and qualities to lead the next Government, as he exuded confidence that the PPP will be victorious at the 2020 elections. (Michael Younge)