The ruling PPP is closer to selecting its candidate for this year’s constitutionally due elections. “Soon, soon”, said Party General Secretary, Donald Ramotar when contacted yesterday.
He said that no candidate has as yet been ‘weeded out’ of the race and the process continues. The top brass of the party has held several meetings to consider the nominees in the contest to lead the PPP in the upcoming national elections. The nominees include Ramotar, Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran, presidential advisor Gail Teixeira and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee.
Party veteran Moses Nagamootoo, who has declared his interest in being the candidate, has said he will not submit himself to the process being utilised by the party. Reports have also surfaced recently of a likely nomination for Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud.
The party’s 15-member Executive Committee, after debate on nominations, will make a recommendation, based either on consensus or a vote, for referral to the Central Committee. Deliberation at the level of the Central Committee could see the nomination of alternatives. However, on previous occasions the recommendation of the Executive Committee has been adopted.
Ramotar is seen as one of the front-runners and the candidate supported by President Bharrat Jagdeo, who is constitutionally barred from contesting the presidency again.
