In a recent press statement, the Women’s Progressive Organization (WPO), the women’s arm of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), voiced its concern over remarks allegedly made by Mr. Hamilton Green, the former General Secretary of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and ex-Prime Minister of Guyana. The WPO’s statement highlighted Mr. Green’s alleged comments, which they interpreted as advocating for a return to the era of rigged elections, a time marked by alleged electoral manipulation under the leadership of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. The WPO decried these remarks as a direct threat to the principles of democracy and rule of law in Guyana, especially with the approach of the 2025 elections, although it should be noted that the PNCR has acquired significant evidence of PPP rigging at the 2020 elections.
However, the focus of the WPO on Mr. Green’s statements has sparked a broader discussion among observers and critics. Questions are being raised about the WPO’s silence on a range of other significant issues that have marred the PPP’s governance. Critics point to the involvement of the PPP government in over 1700 extrajudicial killings and widespread corruption scandals as glaring concerns that seem to be overlooked by the organization. Furthermore, the women’s group is silent on accusations of disenfranchisement and racial discrimination, particularly against the African community in areas such as Mocha and across the country.
The lack of commentary or condemnation from the WPO regarding these serious allegations against the PPP raises concerns about the organization’s commitment to democracy and justice. Critics argue that true advocacy for democratic principles should encompass all forms of injustice and not selectively focus on issues that serve partisan interests.
The silence of the WPO on matters such as extrajudicial killings, corruption, disenfranchisement, and racial discrimination, juxtaposed with its quick response to Mr. Green’s alleged remarks, has led to a perception of selective concern for democratic values. This selective focus risks undermining the credibility of the WPO and its advocacy for democracy, transparency, and justice in Guyana.
As Guyana continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the call for all political entities and their affiliates, including the WPO, to address and condemn injustices comprehensively, irrespective of political affiliations, grows louder. The path to a truly democratic and just society in Guyana requires an unwavering commitment to addressing all forms of injustice and corruption, ensuring that advocacy for democracy is holistic and inclusive.
