The APNU+AFC coalition is yet to name the representative of its list who will be entrusted with important tasks but a source yesterday said that seven names are under consideration.
“No politician’s name is on that list,” the source said when specifically asked whether any politician’s name has been submitted.
All seven of the persons are said to be from civil society and the source said the list has not been closed.
“The list is still open so more names can be added and then the list would be presented to the party leaders for selection,” the source said.
The source said that by month end the list would have been closed and the representative would be selected in time for the April 7th Nomination Day.
There has been much interest in the coalition’s list representative as it is that person who would have to ensure that the agreement between APNU and the AFC as it relates to the National Assembly and other matters is kept. Chief among these is the AFC being guaranteed 12 seats win or lose.
The source also confirmed that there are some well-known persons who would soon be publicly throwing their support behind the coalition.
Following weeks of talks, on February 14th the two parties announced that they would contest the May 11th general elections as a coalition, with APNU Leader David Granger and AFC Vice-Chairman Moses Nagamootoo as its presidential and prime ministerial candidates respectively.
Dubbing the agreement between the two “The Cummingsburg Accord”, the coalition formalized the pre-electoral alliance which both sides are confident can unseat the incumbent PPP/C after over 22 years in office.
The accord caters for a joint electoral slate and a 60/40 cabinet split, favouring APNU.
They also agreed to reorganize the presidency to delegate more responsibilities to the Prime Minister as well as to select the representative of the electoral list and the Speaker of the House from independent members of civil society. The AFC will choose the Cabinet Secretary.
