Dear Editor,
Within recent times, we have witnessed not exactly an exodus but a noticeable movement of individuals away from the APNU/AFC Coalition. Certain determinants appears to have influenced and are influencing a subtle but direct and deep change in the coalition, in general, and the PNC/R, in particular. These include: leadership; a new and awakening political consciousness among party members; the push, by some members, for greater internal democracy in the PNC/Coalition; dissatisfaction, on the part of members, about representation by the opposition at the national level; fear of the unknown, and the political strategy of the ruling party, PPP/C. A random search for the key determinants among the aforementioned factors would probably select any one of those elements as a key factor depending on focus of writer. Leadership is essential for the growth and development of an organization. In fact, there are certain necessary governing rules for effective leadership. In essence, it is the foundation upon which every other part of an organization rest and the center of attraction around which all other things revolve; effective leadership could be the difference between defeat and victory. Without it there can be no coherence; no force. Often, the cultures of political organisations are shaped by the personalities of their leaders. However, in the case of the coalition, there does appear to be a challenge with leadership.
It can be easily argued that an organisation’s communication channel is its critical vulnerability. Every word spoken on behalf of the party has to be in sync with the general philosophy, message and thrust of the party. And, as a matter of course, the party assigns speaking roles to specific individuals under clear guidance and instructions from its leadership. This is so important because if it is found that people who are publicly commenting on events are short on facts then it affects public trust – a value vital for political success. Then, there is the undue delay of the Party’s Congress. It is as if there is a delay and avoidance strategy with this event. One year after national and regional elections, in Guyana, there has been no Congress to facilitate retrospection, introspection, mobilization, vision, visioning, guidance, navigation (charting a new course) encouragement and hope. Congress would provide a platform for members to get answers to questions and to access accurate information about new political realities and their roles and involvement in the new political environment.
A deeper more critical problem with this absence of that platform for internal conversation and information is the one on democracy and political ethics. Members are obligated to give the party a new leadership or the old/new leadership a new mandate. In turn the leaders have the responsibility to adequately represent its people; finding a seat at the national economic table not as spectators or the meal to be consumed but as purposeful participators. But if there is no Congress then that cannot happen. Internal party democracy is fettered because members are unable to elect leaders of their choice according to their will. It would therefore be hypocritical for those involved to talk about national democracy when it is not practiced in the internal affairs of the party. The corollary to that is no one will take the leadership serious if they do not practice with strong conviction the democracy they so fervently preach. In fact, public comments on national issues, even non-political issues, would be of very little effect if the leaders do not settle the internal affairs of the party. And in terms of the wider membership, no information is information; the rumour mill will work overtime and people will act according to their own best interests, based on gossip. This would be inimical to the broader interests of the party.
This crisis in leadership has facilitated a new and awakening consciousness among party members especially the youths, some of whom have, not a little influence, among the young people in local communities. This consciousness is driving an intense need for change. It is giving people the boldness to express their displeasure on the posture of the leadership of the party and to walk away from what they see as an organization that is caught in a maze, with, apparently, no immediate plan to find a clear path to vision and success. My final point is this: part of this new and awakening consciousness especially among young people, is directly aided by the deliberate political strategy of the ruling PPP/C that includes: changing old political guards, reworking its public relations including message and messaging, and remaking the image of the party. Whatever one says about that party one must admit, even if grudgingly, that not only it is a good strategy but it is being properly executed. Overall, the PPP/C strategy appears to be not formulistic but positioning and repositioning depending on changes in international and national political and economic circumstances – a good level of flexibility that helps it to skillfully maneuver its special advantages to achieve its goals. Consider this, the leadership of that party, PPP/C, worked hard and got Irfaan Ali elected as the President of Guyana; a remarkable play. Then the party appointed a number of young people as Ministers of the government. Of course, they are being guided by seniors in the party in the background as well as party policies, goals and objectives; nothing is wrong with that; that’s politics. One of the advantages of having an assembly of young ministers is that they have high energy, enthusiasm and new and fresh ideas.
Almost every day, ministers can be seen in different parts of the country meeting and discussing projects or events with people. According to a population survey in 2010 the proportion of people between the 15 and 65 years of age was 62.1% of Guyana’s total population. This is an important point because it means that at the end of their first term most of them would still be relatively young with energy and experience. More, if the current cabinet of ministers serve well then they will not only set themselves a good track record and build their political credentials but also would easily facilitate the re-election of their party. Now, imagine the effect the PPP/C strategy is having on the thinking of youths in the other main political party. Quite frankly, whatever the effect it appears to be increasing a desire for political reform and show of initiative among those youths and the belief, not unjustified, that they can do better than some of their seniors, on the local political stage. Simultaneously, it is reducing their tolerance level to be brushed aside or to be contented with the current political status or/and performance of the PNC/R and Coalition. As it is now, they are bored and uninterested. Therefore, many would either publicly walk away or just gradually quietly disappear from active service in the party. In this way, the party is being forced to change and to play a different kind of politics. One that includes its young people in the upper echelon of its leadership not cosmetically but in a meaningful way.
Sincerely,
Anthony Subner
