Hughes Ready to Step Aside as Opposition Parties Race Against Time for Consensus

In a dramatic shift that could reshape Guyana’s political landscape, Alliance for Change (AFC) leader Nigel Hughes has declared his willingness to withdraw his presidential candidacy in favor of a consensus opposition candidate. This announcement comes as coalition talks intensify with the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) ahead of the crucial 2025 General and Regional Elections.

“I’m personally prepared to step aside from the presidential candidacy in favor of a third-party candidate who can unite the opposition for the good of the country,” Hughes told media on Friday while participating in a protest advocating for greater information transparency. He doubled down on this position the following day in a social media post, emphasising: “Guyana is the important factor, and I don’t hold any particular request that I should hold any particular role. The important thing is that this country has to be rescued from the PPP.”

Hughes’ surprising flexibility emerges as the March 31 deadline for coalition agreement between AFC and PNCR looms large, creating urgency in opposition negotiations. This development unfolds against a backdrop of growing public disillusionment with current leadership across the political spectrum, according to recent polling data.

A poll reported by Village Voice News reveals staggering dissatisfaction with the status quo: 62% of respondents believe Guyana needs new leadership, while just 38% support the current administration. Confidence in the current government has plummeted, with President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo registering dismal trust ratings of 29% and 25% respectively.

Perhaps more telling for opposition strategy, the same poll indicates widespread rejection of PNCR leader Aubrey Norton, with 69% of respondents opposing his continued leadership within the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition. Only 31% expressed support for Norton’s leadership moving forward, suggesting internal fractures that could complicate coalition-building efforts.

Early negotiations between Hughes and Norton had revealed rigid positions, with neither initially willing to yield on their presidential ambitions. However, as public pressure mounts and polling data circulates, several alternative consensus candidates have emerged, including former Finance Minister Winston Jordan, Dr. Terrence Campbell, Dr. Anand Goolsarran, and several current and former MPs including Amanza Walton-Desir, Roysdale Forde, Mervyn Williams, and former Vice President Carl Greenidge.

Dr. Campbell, who has gained prominence through his work on the Natural Resource Fund Committee, has also expressed willingness to serve if called upon, echoing Hughes’ sentiment that removing the People’s Progressive Party from power is the paramount objective, rather than claiming the presidency.

Despite Hughes’ apparent flexibility, sources tell Stabroek News that Norton remains immovable in his demand to be the presidential candidate of any coalition. These sources claim Norton has threatened that PNCR will contest the elections independently if his demand isn’t met. Reports suggest Norton would only consider stepping aside if both parties agreed to former Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge as the candidate—a proposal Greenidge reportedly has no interest in pursuing.

As the deadline approaches, these internal tensions and widespread public dissatisfaction with current leadership across party lines will likely play a decisive role in determining whether Guyana’s opposition can unite effectively against the ruling PPP in the upcoming elections. (WiredJA)