Entrepreneur and political analyst Dr. Terrence Campbell is sending a stark warning to the opposition: The upcoming General and Regional Elections are winnable or losable depending on how they address their internal divisions.
In a recent interview with Demerara Waves, Campbell expressed concern over the current state of the opposition, particularly the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC). According to Campbell, recent polls suggest that the opposition is in serious trouble and could lose the upcoming elections unless they resolve their internal conflicts.
However, there’s still a path to victory, and that path lies in undecided voters, a large bloc that could swing the results in the opposition’s favour. “The polls, to which I have been privy, suggest significant trouble for the opposition. However, they also indicate a path to victory through a large bloc of undecided voters,” Campbell stated.
At the heart of the opposition’s struggles is a deep schism over whether to form a coalition for the elections and, if so, who would lead. This issue is particularly contentious within the PNCR, the largest party in the APNU+AFC coalition. The PNCR’s leader, Aubrey Norton has made it clear that any coalition must see him as the presidential candidate. He later said of there is an alternative candidate the PNCR must so determine.
Selecting a candidate with broad cross-party appeal
This internal wrangling has raised concerns among watchers who have urged the opposition to resolve their differences privately and present a unified front. They are argued that selecting a candidate with broad cross-party appeal, who can unite the opposition and attract undecided voters, are also important.
Winning the election in Guyana’s system of Proportional Representation means that every vote counts. An election or parliamentary seat can be lost or won on one vote. With the large pool of undecided voters, if the Opposition wants to win it is critical to find a way to connect with them and turn that uncertainty into support.
“It is my considered opinion that those voters are not enamored with the PPP, and simultaneously, they are disappointed with the current configuration of the opposition,” he added. To this end, the businessman has called on the opposition to recognise the gravity and urgency of this moment, “put aside any political differences and put up a unity slate.
With the fluidity of Guyana politics within recent years, the PPP’s successive voter decline, new voters coming on stream, pervasive corruption and marginalisation, analysts contend these factors provide opportunities for the opposition to seize the moment by presenting a unified, inclusive slate of candidates.
Undecided voters attributed to several factors
Another school of thought is the significant bloc of undecided voters could be attributed to several factors, including disengagement in the election process, disillusionment with the proposed candidates, voter apathy, and a sense that politicians do not care about the people once they’ve achieved office. Critics believe these issues can be addressed through a unified opposition slate that is willing to listen to the concerns of the people and actively work to represent them.
Among the names currently being floated for the presidential candidacy are a mix of experienced public servants and politicians, and rising stars from across Guyana. Some of the most discussed figures include former Finance Minister Winston Jordan; Dr. Terrence Campbell; Dr. Anand Goolsarran; Member of Parliament (MP) Amanza Walton-Desir; Roysdale Forde, SC, MP; former MP Mervyn Williams; former Vice President Carl Greenidge; Dawn Hastings-Williams MP; former minister Simona Broomes; former Georgetown Mayor Pt. Ubraj Narine; former President David Granger; AFC Leader Nigel Hughes; PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton.
Campbell made it clear that he would be open to joining any opposition slate if offered the opportunity. “If offered the chance to join the [Opposition] slate, I will certainly do so,” Campbell said. “I am prepared to serve under any of the current leaders or any compromise candidate they choose. For me, this is not about what Guyana can do for me, but what I must do for Guyana.”
Dr. Campbell’s rising political profile
Dr. Campbell’s rising political profile has been largely shaped by his uncompromising stance against the PPP government’s handling of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) and its broader economic policies. As a member of the NRF’s Investment Committee, the entrepreneur has repeatedly criticised the government for what he describes as mismanagement of the Fund and other aspect of governance such as the education sector that is leaving many children behind. For instance, last year only 40 percent of primarily school children did well at the National Grade Six Assessments.
Campbell’s vocal opposition to the PPP’s policies, combined with his call for unity within the opposition, positions him as a potentially influential figure in the upcoming elections. He however stresses that the opposition must unite and act quickly to capitalise on the growing dissatisfaction among voters.
For him the message is clear: The opposition can either win or lose the next elections, and that decision will largely depend on their ability to come together and put forth a candidate with widespread appeal.
