As Guyana draws closer to national elections, many Guyanese are continuing to inquire as to whether former coalition partners – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) will coalesce once again to unseat the governing People’s Progressive Party as they did in 2015.
The sides were in discussions for several months but were unable to come to an agreement. While the leaders have said that they remain open to discussions on forging a coalition, both parties have accused each other of the lack of progress going forward
On Wednesday, Leader of the AFC Nigel Hughes in a statement rejected what he described as mischaracterisations and inaccuracies regarding his party’s role in opposition unity efforts and the ongoing coalition discussions.
Hughes said his party has never demanded the presidency nor have they insisted that its nominee must lead the coalition, saying such claims are wholly false.
He, however, said that his party has consistently advocated for a consensus candidate – who can command broad respect and credibility – a person who represents genuine third-party alternatives to entrenched political positions.
The attorney said his party had proposed multiple independent and qualified Guyanese as potential consensus candidates including former Foreign Affairs Minister and Vice President Carl Greenidge whose credentials and integrity are beyond reproach.
None of the proposals, Hughes said, were accepted by the APNU. The AFC leader said to imply that his party has placed personal ambition over national interest is not only inaccurate but dismissive of their consistent calls for principled and policy-based collaboration.
Hughes added that the AFC, like all political movements, must continuously work to broaden its support but it is disingenuous to suggest that electoral viability hinges solely on historic polling.
The AFC leader said his party brings policy depth, principled leadership, and a track record of governance reform, all of which are essential to any coalition seeking to deliver results for the people of Guyana.
According to Hughes, his party remains open to continued dialogue and believes that a coalition must be built on mutual respect and shared values, adding that values must be built on fairness and consensus – not coercion or unilateralism.
Hugues has encouraged stakeholders to move beyond attacks and towards constructive engagement.
If the sides are going to the polls together then they will need to come to an agreement before Nomination date on July 14.