“Issues” will play a key role in voter preference at the 2025 elections
Dear Editor,
Despite recent resignations by several MPs (Amanza Walton-Desir, Jermaine Figueira, Natasha Singh Lewis, Geeta Chandan Edmund, and Dawn Hastings-Williams) and non-MPs (Thandi McAllister, Daniel Seeram, and Samuel Sandy, Region 4 REO and Deputy, respectively) from the APNU party, its leader Mr Aubrey Norton insists that these departures will not affect their 2025 election campaign or hurt their chance of electoral victory; a position shared by other APNU members/supporters.
Mr Aubrey Norton has calculated that the defectors’ impact would be minimal or zero, claiming that they are not political “heavyweights”, a position disputed by observers. For example, PPPC executive member Mr Anil Nandlall asks, “If they were not heavyweights, why were they appointed MPs or executive members of APNU?”
Opponents argue that the PPPC is concerned about the WIN party’s entry into the campaign, fearing the party’s financial influence on key Muslim and Amerindian constituencies that could sway narrow election outcomes. Smaller opposition groups believe that winning a few seats in these areas could shift power away from the PPPC. General Secretary of PPPC Dr Bharrat Jagdeo is aware of this scenario and has launched an aggressive campaign, having been inspired by the massive crowds at events over the past two weeks.
PPPC presidential candidate Dr Irfaan Ali observes that while the WIN party, joined by ANUG, is no political threat to the PPPC’s chance of winning the 2025 polls, he nevertheless contends that Mr Azruddin Mohamed, WIN+ANUG’s leader, is a national security risk. Further, the PPPC believes that Mr Azruddin would instead erode the APNU and AFC PPPC support base.
APNU promises cash grants and increased entitlements if elected, regardless of their sustainability or inflationary impact. The PPPC is open to sustainable, non-inflationary but limited cash grants and entitlement increases. The PPPC manifesto is not yet available, but based on earlier comments by its General Secretary, increases are likely for old age pensions, disability allowance, pensions, and the “because we care grant” and medical vouchers, and there might even be a one-off grant to cushion the impact of inflation. New grants include student transportation. The impact of grants on inflation must always be considered before any implementation.
Over the past five years (2020-2025), the PPPC has gathered direct insight into community needs across all regions and has addressed issues efficiently across sectors like housing, education, health, employment, energy, agriculture, climate change, and infrastructure. Their message to voters is clear: they have kept their 2020 manifesto promises and can be relied upon to continue delivering results.
The PPPC’s main goal is to advance social and physical infrastructure, with cash grants being injected into the system as the need arises. The party’s vision aligns with plans such as the National Development Strategy 1996; Competitive Strategy 2006; Poverty Reduction Strategy 2001 & upgrades; LCDS 2030; and various IMF/World Bank studies. When the PPPC’s manifesto is released, it is expected to document a series of ongoing and new social and physical infrastructure development projects, including an interest-free National Development Bank.
Finally, voting in Guyana has historically followed racial lines, but current trends suggest that “issues” are becoming more influential. The political environment is now highly competitive. While big money may play a role in elections and voter preference, its true impact will only be known after the 2025 election results. Although issues are crucial, the role of the “trust factor” must never be underestimated in voter preferences.
