-talks to continue
A deadline for a coalition deal between the PNCR and the AFC expired at midnight last night with no resolution to the impasse over who should be the presidential candidate.
Sources say that People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader Aubrey Norton has insisted that it should be him while the Alliance For Change (AFC) on Sunday set its own terms saying its leader Nigel Hughes should be the presidential candidate.
Discussions are still however ongoing.
“The talks are ongoing, and nothing is agreed to until everything is agreed. APNU and AFC are political partners that both want what is best for Guyana, and we will continue to work hard for an accord that respects both sides and is accepted by all. Guyanese are depending on us, and we must deliver for them,” a source stated. The source further noted, “The leaders of both sides met and had very cordial and promising discussions. The doors remain open, and talks are ongoing.”
The two parties are hoping to rekindle what they achieved in 2015 when they formed an unlikely coalition and unseated the governing PPP/C. Then they had agreed after gruelling talks that the PNCR’s David Granger would be the presidential candidate and Moses Nagamootoo of the AFC would be Prime Minister. In 2015, the PNCR was part of the umbrella grouping A Partnership for National Unity.
Lustre was lost from the last coalition after supporters of the grouping were accused of attempting to rig the 2020 elections. The two sides have been buffeted by criticisms over this. However, the key stumbling block remains disagreement over the presidential candidate. Norton and his supporters have insisted that it should be him since the PNCR commands the bulk of opposition support. Sources say that the AFC does not believe that Norton can win an election and that they would have a better chance with Hughes or a consensus candidate such as businessman Terrence Campbell.
The AFC on Sunday also insisted that 40% of positions at all levels of government go to it with the remaining 60% going to the PNCR.
Sources say that the PNCR’s most significant concession so far has been offering the AFC’s Juretha Fernandes the position of prime ministerial candidate, with Norton leading the ticket.
While Hughes has said he is willing to step aside for a consensus candidate, and businessman Campbell’s name has been floated, the PNCR has not officially proposed any alternative candidates. Campbell himself has stated that he has not been approached but would accept the position if both Norton and Hughes supported him.
A source close to the talks noted that both parties acknowledge the importance of coalition unity and are working to achieve it. “There is a belief on both sides that the people want something and someone different from the traditional approach. That is what prompted Mr. Hughes to say he is prepared to excuse himself from being the leader of the ticket in the interest of unity and to work wherever he is needed most,” the source explained.
On Friday, Hughes reiterated his willingness to support a consensus candidate, noting that “the important thing is that this country must be rescued from the PPP,” he wrote to social media.
While it is seen as a longshot for a PNCR-AFC coalition to upturn the PPP/C at this year’s elections, contesting separately is seen as ending in a major defeat particularly for the PNCR which has been riven by internal conflicts and defections. Without the umbrella of an alliance there are also concerns in its camp that the AFC could have its worst showing since it stormed to five seats in the 2006 general elections.
A bevy of smaller opposition outfits are awaiting the outcome of the talk to determine whether they can also be included in a coalition.
