As the People’s Progressive Party commences its electoral campaign, General Secretary to the party Clement Rohee told members of the media that former president Bharrat Jagdeo could be on the candidates’ list.
Rohee noted that Jagdeo is an executive of the Central Committee and a party member in good standing who has made considerable contributions. “I don’t think it would surprise anyone for him to be part of the campaign; for him to be on our list,” Rohee stated.
He did however state at yesterday’s party press briefing held at Freedom House that the candidates’ list has not been settled as yet.
Rohee had been coy for months in relation to the party’s presidential candidate. However, yesterday he confirmed that President Donald Ramotar will once again return as the presidential candidate. Rohee said the PPP made the decision last week.
He would not confirm if a the party’s prime ministerial candidate was decided upon as yet and stated that the nominees’ list and the presidential candidate were not mutually exclusive. Rohee noted that as in past elections the prime ministerial candidate would comprise the civic component of the party.
He did not conclusively respond when asked by members of the media if the party was considering any female members for the post.
There has been speculation in the last few months that Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett could potentially replace the PPP/C’s longstanding prime ministerial choice Samuel Hinds.
The party’s general secretary ventured that the campaign strategy was being worked out and at this time the PPP would not be divulging any components. He said the party was working on a “total package”.
He did not elaborate, but when asked if the premise was similar to the A-Team that was developed under Janet Jagan he accentuated that the party had a tried and tested formula.
Rohee said that since the 2011 general election resulted in a minority government the party has do a lot of work to correct the various deficiencies.
Speaking to Stabroek News briefly after the press conference, Rohee said that the various PPP branches in the Diaspora will be included in the party’s campaigning.
