In a clear demonstration of resilience and determination, the APNU faced the PPP’s formidable challenge in the Local Government Elections (LGE), despite their limited resources. While the PPP emerged with a plurality of votes, their ultimate goal of eliminating the opposition was unsuccessful. The APNU, still recovering from the 2020 elections debacle, simply could not match the PPP’s vast resources and compete in every constituency on an equal footing.
The resounding mantra of APNU voters remains “Power to the People.” Although a significant number of voters abstained from participating, credit must be given to the community activists, a small group of hardworking and visible opposition politicians, and influential commentators such as Rickford Burke, who steadfastly held the line against the PPP for months leading up to the LGE. Notable figures like Lincoln Lewis, Mark Benschop, Lurlene Nestor, David Hinds, Jr. Crawford, Simona Broomes, Sherod Duncan, and many others played pivotal roles in helping to maintain opposition momentum. Credit must also be given to a small group of opposition politicians who made their case to the people, who walked through the communities, who listened to the fears and concerns of community members and who were the voice of the people.
This outcome presents the APNU with another opportunity to regroup, organize, and strengthen critical relationships with their constituencies. They must reinforce the message that the PPP’s dominance can be challenged and defeated in the upcoming 2025 elections.
What is now clear to everyone is that despite the PPP’s alleged expenditure of millions of taxpayer dollars in an attempt to destroy the APNU, their efforts proved futile. A handful of social media commentators valiantly competed against the overwhelming resources of national government-owned platforms such as NCNtv, Chronicle News, and friendly newspapers like Inews, Guyana Times, and Newsroom. The PPP’s failure to achieve their desired outcome highlights the limitless potential of the opposition movement.
As the famous saying goes, “A people, united, could never be defeated.” APNU politician Christopher Jones, in an early morning comment shared that, “the APNU remains steadfast in their commitment to the people of Guyana, and we vow to continue the fight for a more inclusive and accountable government.” The stage is set for a compelling battle in the next elections, as the opposition endeavors to build on their recent achievements and deliver the change the country seeks.
