Dear Editor,
In my humble opinion, the chances of the APNU+AFC coalition winning the next election will be enhanced if presidential candidate Brigadier (rtd) David Granger can erase the haunting spectre of LFS Burnham, lurking in the background. He cannot do this by merely saying he is not Burnham. He must be able to convince the electorate that he is worthy and can be trusted to hold the high office of president, with its plentitude of powers.
The PPP/C will try to smear APNU with the Burnham legacy.
There is a powerful argument available to the Brigadier but it carries the risk of offending the Burnhamites.
It goes as follows:
Mr Burnham could not tolerate dissent because he knew full well how he ‘won’ elections from 1968 to 1980. He knew that his regime was a minority masquerading as a majority.
Mr Burnham’s shenanigans were overlooked by the West while the Cold War atmosphere persisted. The West did not want Dr Jagan in power at that time.
Should the coalition win, even if only by the slimmest majority at the election certified by local and international observers to be free and fair, the government’s legitimacy and validity would be assured.
There will be no need to resort to repressive measures. There is no Cold War.
The above argument cannot however be made without admitting the blemished record of the PNC.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
