Dear Editor,
This letter is late, but still topical, I believe. It has been some time since the much-anticipated announcement of the PPP/C’s Presidential Candidate was made public, and in what turned out to be a two-man contest, Mr Irfaan Ali defeated Mr Anil Nandlall by 24 to 11 votes in the 35-member Central Committee. The election results demonstrated that it was a “no contest” – confirming what political pundits predicted, that Jagdeo’s handpicked candidate would be selected, in spite of the party’s adoption of secret balloting.
As was expected when the decision was made public there were intense and continuing discussions in the society, both in and out of the PPP’s constituency, on the party’s choice for Presidential Candidate, and how this decision will impact its chances of winning or losing the upcoming general and regional elections. These debates are taking place in every area of the country, and in the diaspora. Citizens’ views on the matter have been reflected in newspaper articles, letters to the Editor, TV programmes and social media.
Putting aside the obvious partisan views on Mr Ali ’s candidacy is difficult to do in Guyanese political reality. However, given the importance of this decision for the future of the nation, it is imperative that we objectively examine it.
Since this letter is being written mainly for the man/woman in the street I will use a simple method to point out the strengths and weaknesses of the candidate. Readers should not infer any importance from the order of the points since that is not my intention.
The following are what I believe are the strengths of Mr Ali’s candidacy:
(1) He is a younger generation politician and will have some appeal to young PPP voters.
(2) Since he was in government as a minister for many years and is a member of Jagdeo’s inner circle ( as distinct from the party) he will have easy access to the resources of the “cabal” – human, financial and material. These resources in the past have played a strategic role in the PPP’s election efforts both when it was in the government and when it was in opposition.
(3) He is a Muslim and will have some traction in that community.
(4) He is known to be a “people person” – approachable – a characteristic that holds good for a politician.
(5) It is said that he is “academically endowed”.
(6) Being a resident of Region No.3 he can be expected to retain his party’s support in that area.
(7) He had acquired tremendous wealth as a member of the government. In his defence, he claimed it was inherited. However it was acquired, it will be additional resources available for his campaign.
The following are what I believe are the weaknesses of Mr Ali’s candidacy:
(1) Since he is Jagdeo’s hand picked choice he will be tainted with all the negatives of his sponsor.
(2) He is seen as Jagdeo’s puppet and will have great difficulties neutralising that perception, which is necessary if he is to be viewed as an independent actor, even in a limited way.
(3) His candidacy will sharpen the contradictions in the PPP’s Indian base between Hindu and Muslim supporters. This is the first occasion that a Muslim will be the party’s presidential candidate.
(4) His candidacy makes it easier for disaffected PPP voters to support the newly formed party (ANUG) led by Ralph Ramkarran and Henry Jeffrey or to return to the coalition.
(5) Accusations of corruption even in the absence of convictions are not good for any politician seeking high public office. This was borne out by Canada’s objection to him visiting that country on the grounds that he is facing criminal charges. The 19 charges instituted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) are now matters before the courts.
(6) The recent controversy over his academic qualifications which he is still to put to rest is unhelpful in his quest for the Presidency.
(7) Since he is seen as a Jadgeo puppet he is unlikely to attract votes outside the PPP’s historic constituency.
( 8) He brings nothing new to the leadership of the government and nation.
While the above is not an exhaustive list it is in my opinion sufficient to allow readers to better evaluate the candidate and his chances at the elections.
In spite of the political and personal differences in the PPP, they collectively want to win the elections. Therefore, the obvious question is: Why not choose the best candidate the party has? In electoral politics mere wanting to win is not enough – votes are what matter. In this scenario, the big question to be answered is: Can Jagdeo and the PPP with Ali as Presidential Candidate get the necessary votes to win?
My judgement is no. But my view on the matter will be dismissed as partisan, so we have to wait for the outcome of the elections.
Yours faithfully,
Tacuma Ogunseye
