This year a few new political parties were formed. The March 2020 elections are no doubt critical, but we have been there before. In 1992, there were cries to end a dictatorship, 28 years of rule by one political party, the People’s National Congress (PNC). I was a child then, but I recall hearing talk about a need for change.
In 2006, drenched in our tears and blood as the young dead grew in number, I remember the Alliance for Change (AFC) brought a new life, positivity and filled us young people, me then in my early twenties, with hope.
In 2015, ‘It is Time’ was the slogan of the APNU+AFC coalition, with a promise again of social cohesion and a good life for all Guyanese. There were accusations that for too long we had slipped and slithered in corruption that could no longer be ignored. The APNU+AFC won the elections, which ushered in a new era and renewed hope for Guyana.
But here we are again. Many are restless, disappointed, frustrated, bewildered and even uncertain. Who are you voting for? Tradition or will you give one of the new parties a chance?
I have not paid much attention to the new parties. Nothing really compels me from the little I know to support any of them. I have witnessed the formation of new parties before. I have been optimistic, excited and open to new ideas before. I have believed the promise of the change and then nothing much changes.
In my mind, there is a constant debate: I am weary and conflicted about whether my missing vote would make a difference; I am on the brink of despair as a creative because the environment is not very enabling for my tribe; and there’s that voice that whispers “leave” or “you have bigger dreams girl”.
For the love of country, I constantly engage in silencing those voices, drown myself in work, find time for leisure and find joy in my children. And still I must admit that this constant state of crisis keeps threatening my steady grounds.
The formation of the new parties is an indication that we are a country still in crisis. Another indication that the traditional parties have failed to collectively garner the full confidence of the people and have not yet led us to a place where every Guyanese is happy and can afford to live rather than wait to die; social cohesion competes with the racist ideologies that many continue to perpetuate. Will we ever be whole?
In January, the Federal United Party (FED-UP) was formed by Attorney-at-Law and former Magistrate Chandra Sohan, along with two other lawyers, Ryan Crawford and Horatio Edmondson. (‘Fed up’ perfectly describes how many Guyanese feel about Guyana’s politics. A large section of the population is exhausted by the folly, dishonesty and corruption of some of our politicians. Still, there is another section that chooses to be bound by the tradition of voting race and not issues and they are their worst enemies and partly responsible for how Guyana’s development has been stymied. Perhaps a smaller section of the population is genuine about social cohesion, who would like forthright politicians who are honest about every aspect of the process and truly put the people’s interests first.)
The FED-UP party proposed making the country’s 10 regions into three larger regions. Each of those three regions would have their own administration. Another part of this party’s agenda is to push for constitutional and electoral reform.
A New and United Guyana (ANUG) was also formed in January. Former speaker of the House and former member of the PPP Ralph Ramkarran, former PPP government Minister Dr. Henry Jeffrey and Attorney-at-law Timothy Jonas are a few of the people who formed this political party. One of the aims is that governance be inclusive. They too wish to end the ethnic alliances that as noted before has been one of the greatest hindrances to progress. ANUG also wants constitutional reform.
The Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) was also launched in January. Lennox Shuman, former deputy leader of the National Toshaos’ Council and Toshao of Pakuri is the presidential candidate of this party. Housing, education, health, youths and agriculture are some of this party’s priorities. They hope to rebuild the infrastructure while keeping the people and our environment safe. They have also discussed legalising marijuana.
The Guyana United Democratic (GUD) party was launched in August with plans to replace the constitution and design one that is for the Guyanese people.
The Citizens Initiative (CI) was launched just over a week ago. Members of CI include current Cultural Policy Advisor Ruel Johnson, website developer Shazaam Ally and a teacher and businesswoman Rhonda-Ann Lam. The Citizens Initiative is also concerned about ethnic division and how youth have been treated under the current administration. The party’s campaign will include International Leadership, Social Cohesion Security and Equality, Infrastructure for the Future, Education and Human Resource Development, Economic Security Diversification and Growth and Enhanced Governance and Public Accountability.
There are plans for a sixth party to launch at the end of this month. Businessmen Robert Badal and Nigel Hinds are leading Change Guyana. Change Guyana promises a lean, clean, open, transparent and accountable government. Change Guyana says it will produce a Guyana where people can live and comfortably while enjoying their lives.
Before the year is over, we may see the formation of additional political parties. Many however might remain invisible or be ignored by the masses because many people do not have the desire to investigate the principles and fresh ideas of new parties; and knowing Guyana’s history, perhaps the majority will stick to traditional voting patterns regardless of how it has worked against us time and time again. For many it is a battle between the PPP/Civic and the APNU+AFC. Can any of these new parties start a revolution that will have a ripple effect on our 83000 square miles? With a few months away from elections, can we really see a powerful third force rise to challenge the APNU-AFC and the PPP/Civic? Do they have the resources to do so?
Campaigning on promises alone is not enough for the people. Promises are gift wrapped and presented to the people every election season. The desire to challenge the status quo is not enough. How do they intend to win favour of the people? Are they on the ground visiting communities across the country or in the regions they plan to contest working assiduously to change the mindset of the people? Perhaps quietly. Time will reveal.
No doubt we need more leaders who will put country before self. The rise of new political parties is positive. Perhaps we will see the emergence of visionaries who will indeed be the change we need. A new party may not win the next elections but their presence in parliament is critical. I believe it is part of the change we need.
