It seems we’ve survived Nomination Day without any hitches. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same for all those parties that only flattered? to deceive – by submitting Symbols but couldn’t show up at Umana Yana. Like that Eagle from America that didn’t land near the turtle outside – and gotta be exhausted after flapping its wings all this time!! Even though only seven of the NINETEEN were able to get the requisite number of backers – the others are only in the air figuratively!!
So on to the theatre that adds just the right amount of frisson to what would’ve been a dry exercise of literally delivering packets of papers to a single location. Sorta like all the postmen – and women – from the GPO all heading to one address to deliver the mail!! Your Eyewitness must say, though, he’s quite chuffed at how good-natured the process turned out. Considering these folks have been cussing out each other; unsuccessfully courting each other; poaching each other’s members – and swiping ideas from each other!!
The only ill-tempered display was by the AFC which kvetched on and on about it not getting the spot to present their list right after the PNC/APNU. Didn’t they realise GECOM had done them a favour by inserting the PPP between the two of them that had been negotiating for months to tie nuptials – but nothing happened in the end?? The unkindest cut of all was they would’ve seen the fella who was supposed to be negotiating on their behalf – Popeye the chicken man!! – in the PNC delegation. Ouch!!
But it was quite pathetic in the end though, that of the seven parties that made the cut, the AFC had the smallest band even though their leader had boasted, “The AFC is back, this is the AFC of 2011!!” All your Eyewitness saw were a few friends and family – and the Middle Class don’t sashaying that well, do they?? Where have you gone Ramjhaat and Naga Man – you could’ve added numbers while lowering the tone!!??
Another surprise to your Eyewitness was one of the WPA MPs in the original APNU/AFC coalition showing up in the WIN Blue team. The WPA presidential candidate, however, is convinced the sanctioned WIN man’s working on the down low with the PPP!! Is the WPA waif gonna be condemned as a “Lick batty African”?? And yes…there WERE mostly Africans in the WIN contingent!!
Onwards, upwards to Sept 1st!!
…the (red) launch
Well, there it was – in red and red – the Kitty launch of the PPP’s campaign 2025. To your Eyewitness it was like molten lava flowing down from a just-exploded volcano!! Some have described the crowd like “a red sea” while the PPP’s GS and the Govt’s VP Jagdeo called it a “Red Tsunami”!! He was clearly thinking of Sept 1st, when the Kitty phenomenon would be replicated across the land at the 2000+ polling stations to wash away the green PNC – and the gnats that have sprung up. Tsunamis don’t leave much in their wake – and it’s for this reason your Eyewitness has been concerned about the fate of the PNC since a vibrant democracy needs a solid Opposition!!
So, what were the takeaways for your Eyewitness? The Opposition has pooh-poohed the PPP’s massive crowd – claiming that many attendees were bussed in. Well…your Eyewitness is pretty sure that while a whole lotta PPP faithful gathered on their own – some were brought in trans-p organised by the Party. But rather than scoffing at this, the Opposition should be worried at the level of logistical organising such an effort would’ve demanded!!
Because it’s just such an organisational capability that has made the PPP punch waaay over its weight, elections after elections!!
