The incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) yesterday announced that its candidate Donald Ramotar would participate in a presidential debate being organised by the state-owned National Communications Network (NCN) and a University of Guyana forum.
Although no official announcement has been made by NCN, PPP/C Campaign Manager Robert Persaud said yesterday that Ramotar would participate in a live debate organised by the network on November 15.
He also said that Ramotar would also participate in a forum to be hosted next Thursday by the University of Guyana’s Department of Government & International Affairs. In a statement, the university yesterday said the forum would involve the presidential candidates of the groups contesting the November 28 elections: the PPP/C, Alliance For Change (AFC), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and The United Force (TUF).
The forum, which will be held at 3pm in the George Walcott Lecture Theatre, at Turkeyen campus, is intended to provide an opportunity for the political parties contesting the elections to present their respective position on issues of national development, in particular those which apply to young people; and to provide a forum for discussion and interaction between the university community and the presidential candidates. It is also intended to provide a forum for discussion and interaction between the University community and the presidential candidates.
Persaud, speaking at a press briefing at Freedom House, said Ramotar’s participation would put to rest views by sections of the opposition that the party’s presidential candidate has been shying away from debates. There have been several attempts—most notably by the Merundoi organisation—to organise a debate among the presidential candidates but thus far the PPP/C has not agreed to any of these, while the candidates for other groups have signaled their willingness.
Meanwhile, Persaud said that the party was overwhelmed by the success of its public meeting in Buxton on Thursday, which saw a crowd in excess of 700 persons who demonstrated their support for the party agenda. He said the ruckus created by opposition supporters at the meeting was an act of desperation by opposition parties which were disturbed by the response of Buxtonians.
The meeting saw the attendance of vociferous APNU supporters, who heckled the PPP/C speakers. At one point the heckling and noise became so much that Prime Minister Sam Hinds even pleaded: “Give us a hearing. You may not like us but give us a hearing.”
Urging its supporters not to be intimidated, Persaud noted their right to participate and share their political preference. He said that PPP/C supporters in attendance were also victimised by the hecklers and the party will be writing to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and submit video evidence to support its complaints. He also alleged that there has been a fear and intimidation campaign online on Facebook said that they plan to write to Facebook to inform of what has been happening.
Persaud added that the ruling party was dissatisfied with how it is being treated by GECOM as it relates to its complaints, compared with the treatment of opposition groups. As a stakeholder, he said the PPP/C demands GECOM treat it fairly and acknowledge its concerns.
