By Mark DaCosta- The future of the political partnership between the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) remains in the balance, with both parties engaged in critical talks about whether they will form an alliance for the 2025 General and Regional Elections. AFC Leader Nigel Hughes revealed that the current agreement between the two parties is “on life support” and emphasised that the outcome of their ongoing discussions, scheduled to conclude by March 31, will determine whether they will unite once again or contest the elections separately.
In a virtual press conference held on January 21, Hughes provided a detailed update on the status of the talks, noting that the agreement forged between the AFC and APNU is fragile, largely due to challenges in the negotiations. He described the discussions as exploratory and made it clear that no final decisions have been made at this stage. Hughes said, that any future collaboration must be based on trust and confidentiality. “Trust and confidentiality for us are particularly important,” Hughes added.
Hughes clarified
The AFC and APNU formed a powerful coalition in 2015, securing a historic victory in the General Elections and ending the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C)’s 23-year hold on power. However, following the 2020 elections, the coalition fractured after the PPP/C returned to government, and the AFC opted not to renew their pact with APNU. Despite this, both parties continued to work together in the National Assembly, as the majority opposition bloc.
Hughes clarified that while the AFC is open to the idea of collaborating with APNU, it is not automatically bound to re-enter a coalition. The AFC remains committed to contesting the 2025 elections independently if the terms of any potential alliance are not in the party’s best interest. “We have been authorised by our executive to enter into discussion with other parties,” Hughes explained. “We believe that with some parties, it is better to have documented the parameters of our engagement just so that we are all on the same page.” He reiterated that the AFC’s primary focus is the national interest, but they will only proceed with partners who share similar goals and principles.
One of the most contentious issues in the ongoing discussions is the selection of a presidential candidate. Hughes made it clear that the AFC is not willing to automatically accept APNU’s leader, Aubrey Norton, as the presidential candidate, as had been the case in the past. “For us, that process has to be driven by scientific means and polls and other mechanisms,” Hughes said, underlining the importance of an objective and transparent process to determine the best candidate. This statement directly contrasts with Norton’s earlier assertion that any candidate for president must be from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the largest party within the APNU.
Memorandum of Understanding
In an effort to formalise their discussions, the AFC and APNU have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which outlines their intention to explore the possibility of working together for the 2025 elections. However, Hughes underscored that the AFC’s commitment to contest the elections alone remains firm, should the negotiations fail to yield favourable terms.
The two parties have appointed negotiators to oversee the discussions and are aiming to reach a conclusion by March 31. Hughes said the deadline is crucial to ensure that both sides have adequate time to decide whether they will proceed with a joint effort. “What the agreement contemplates is that we must arrive at a position by that date,” Hughes explained, acknowledging the time-sensitive nature of the talks. Should they fail to reach an agreement, the option of a joint candidacy for 2025 will be off the table.
The MoU also includes provisions for coordinated political efforts, with the two parties working together on national issues while retaining their independence. According to Hughes, they are also exploring the possibility of developing a unified campaign strategy, which would include joint messaging and outreach efforts aimed at connecting with a broader range of voters.
March 31 deadline
Jamaican political strategist Alston Stewart, who played a key role in the 2015 coalition talks, has been brought in to assist with shaping their strategy for the upcoming elections. “We are committed to doing what is best for the country, but we must ensure that any partnership is built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared goals,” Hughes said.
Hughes was careful not to divulge too many specifics about the conditions needed to revive the alliance, citing a confidentiality clause in the MoU.
As the March 31 deadline approaches, the AFC and APNU find themselves at a crossroads. Both parties must decide whether to renew their coalition or move forward separately. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for the political landscape in Guyana as both parties look to strengthen their positions ahead of the 2025 elections. While there is still uncertainty regarding whether they will form a united front, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the decisions made in the coming months will shape the future of Guyana’s opposition politics.
The AFC’s insistence on maintaining its independence, coupled with the need for clear and objective criteria in selecting a presidential candidate, sets the stage for what could be a pivotal moment in Guyana’s electoral history. Only time will tell whether the two parties can rebuild their partnership or whether they will chart separate paths in the race for the presidency.
