…expresses strong confidence in PPP/C victory at the polls
Taking to the stage on Saturday in Lusignan at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) final rally in the lead-up to the General and Regional Elections on Monday, General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo warned citizens not to take any risks at the polls on Monday, calling on supporters to remain vigilant and turn out in large numbers.
Speaking to a massive crowd gathered at Lusignan Market Tarmac, Dr Jagdeo expressed confidence in the party’s position but warned supporters not to become complacent. He urged voters to remain alert for attempts to create disruption or confusion that could suppress turnout on election day.
“Do not take any risk on 1 September… We are not going to take a single risk,” he said.
He said that Guyanese need to be on high alert for fake news circulating from Saturday straight through to Monday afternoon.
“Be vigilant because they always try to deter people from voting. Watch out for the fake news from tonight [Saturday] all the way to Monday afternoon. They will come up with a lot of lies that are intended to keep people at home.
He cautioned that opposition-aligned and paid social media activists will attempt to spread lies, create confusion, and divide Guyanese along ethnic lines – all in an effort to stop support for the PPP/C.
Dr Jagdeo emphasised that these tactics are not new and are typically used to create fear or sow doubt in voters’ minds.
“Don’t allow fear or any rumour to deter you from voting. You are voting for your own lives, your family, your children, and our future as a country; you are voting for the unity of our people. Recognise the power that you have in your hands,” he said.
Winning the elections
Dr Jagdeo affirmed that he is confident in the party’s ability to secure another major win at the upcoming polls, not out of arrogance, but based on the overwhelming support that the party has received and the growth that the party has experienced since being re-elected at the 2020 elections.
“Tonight I am even more confident than in 2020 that we will win the elections,” he declared, “that confidence is justified because look how much we have grown from 2020 to now. People who campaigned against us are here in large numbers, walking the streets of Guyana carrying our message. Our party has grown. I am telling you here tonight I am vastly more confident that we will have a sweeping majority come September 1.”
Dr Jagdeo emphasised that the PPP/C’s growing support is not accidental but earned through five years of governance, delivery on promises, and a clear, detailed plan for Guyana’s future.
Strong leadership
He noted that he could list 100 compelling reasons why citizens should vote for the PPP/C; however, he zoned in on just three core reasons, starting with the party’s leadership and planning capabilities.
Jagdeo, who is also the country’s Vice President, noted that “in any country, you need strong leadership” to take the country forward.
“Don’t take any risk; leadership matters,” he added, reminding that the PPP/C has “worked through the tough times in our country, and we stood strong.”
“You need strong leadership to take our country forward. We have crafted and laid out a more detailed plan than any other political party for the future for every Guyanese to see progress. No other political party has that planning capability. We have done it, and we have the people to implement the plan. We have demonstrated that in the last five years. These are the things you are voting for on 1 September,” he noted.
He referred to the party’s political opponents, particularly the APNU and its Presidential candidate Aubrey Norton, and WIN and its Presidential candidate, US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed.
Noting that Mohamed fails to properly articulate his thoughts, does not engage the press and is only running a social media campaign, Jagdeo questioned, “How will he keep us safe from Venezuela?”
Norton, on the other hand, “spends most of his life in Bam Bam Alley” and is incapable of managing anything, Jagdeo added.
A vote for either of them will put the entire country at risk, he warned.
“You’re risking your entire future. Can you imagine the day after? You have a Government headed by one of these individuals; you’re not just putting the promises at risk; you’re putting what we have already achieved at risk. Your children’s money could go back to zero. And Venezuela and Maduro could have a very compliant gentleman here in the Government,” the PPP GS cautioned.
Bridging the racial divide
Dr Jagdeo also cited the party’s continued work to bridge Guyana’s racial divide.
“This is the only party that is seeking to bridge the racial barrier in Guyana. A party that is working day and night to unify our people, a party that treats people like family once they come to us, a party that wants to look like Guyana, and we have worked hard at this,” he said.
He warned that while the PPP/C is focused on unity, “others are still spreading fear.”
Keeping promises
Dr Jagdeo highlighted the PPP/C’s record of keeping promises, noting the rarity of political parties who not only commit to ideas but also work hard to implement them.
“You can trust us to deliver because we are a trustworthy party,” he said.
In his remarks, Jagdeo paid special attention to young voters, encouraging them to recognise the power they hold and the difference their participation can make.
“We have to make sure that the young people, the young men and women, know that their lives will change for the better under the PPP,” he said.
He urged party activists and supporters to continue mobilising their communities right up until polls close, emphasising that every effort must be made to get out the vote.
Dr Jagdeo also took the moment to thank party supporters and volunteers for their hard work over the campaign period.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank all of you and all the supporters of the People’s Progressive Party. I want to thank all the activists who have been working, taking our messages to the people of Guyana. I want to thank everyone who has helped to carry the strength of this party,” he said.
