AFC and PNCR/APNU Strive to Reach Consensus on Presidential Candidate

With the deadline of March 31, 2025, for finalising a coalition for the upcoming General and Regional Elections now passed, the Alliance for Change (AFC) and the People’s National Congress/A Partnership for National Unity (PNCR/APNU) have yet to reach a decision on whether they will unite to contest the elections. While some view the delay as a sign of indecision, others believe it is part of a natural negotiation process.

Lincoln Lewis, General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), offered a more optimistic take, telling Village Voice News that the fact both parties are still engaged in talks signals a shared commitment to forming a coalition. Lewis suggested that both parties recognise their chances of returning to government are significantly higher through coalition politics, which resonates with their constituents.

One of the main points of contention remains the selection of a presidential candidate. Both the AFC and PNCR/APNU have put forward their respective leaders—AFC’s Nigel Hughes and PNCR’s Aubrey Norton—as the presidential nominee. However, neither side is willing to compromise, with each insisting their leader should take the top spot on the ticket. This impasse has become a central issue in the ongoing negotiations.

In an effort to resolve the standoff, AFC Leader Nigel Hughes has proposed a consensus approach to selecting a presidential candidate. Hughes has expressed a willingness to step aside and support a candidate who could unite the opposition and better serve the national interest. “Personally, I’m prepared to step aside from presidential candidature in favour of a consensus third candidate, who can unite the opposition in the interest of the country,” Hughes said.

According to Stabroek News’ sources, the PNCR has gone as far as offering the position of Prime Ministerial candidate to AFC’s Juretha Fernandes, while maintaining Norton as the presidential candidate. However, the AFC has rejected this proposal, arguing that Norton at the top of the ticket would undermine their chances of defeating the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in the upcoming elections.

As the coalition talks continue, several names have been floated as potential consensus candidates. Among those mentioned are former Finance Minister Winston Jordan, former Vice President Carl Greenidge, Dr. Terrence Campbell, Dr. Anand Goolsarran, former Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine, and current and former Members of Parliament, including Amanza Walton-Desir, Volda Lawrence, Roysdale Forde S.C, and Mervyn Williams.

In an interview with Village Voice News, Dr. Campbell confirmed that although he has not been formally approached by either side, he would be willing to accept the presidential candidacy if both Norton and Hughes agree on him. Meanwhile, sources told Stabroek News that the only concession Norton has made is his openness to agreeing on Carl Greenidge as a presidential candidate, but Greenidge is not interested in serving as the consensus candidate.

This publication was reliably informed Greenidge was not approached on the matter and offered no opinion.

In 2021 when Greendige withdrew his candidature for the PNCR leadership, after nomination, he issued a statement which in part said: “In closing I should like to thank the sincerely the various groups and individuals, who in this climate of uncertainty and turmoil, have shown confidence in my work, such faith in my ability and continue to appreciate my contributions to advancing the condition of our constituencies. I will like to assure these members that I will continue to be available to encourage and support them in order to enhance their capacities and their group’s development.”

Sources said Greenidge’s comments indicate that he remains committed to supporting the party and its members moving forward.

The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the AFC and PNCR/APNU can find common ground and present a united front in their challenge to the PPP/C.