As announced last week, WPA would contest the upcoming elections as part of a coalition with the APNU. This is not unfamiliar territory for the WPA, since we were a foundation member of the APNU and remained an active member of the partnership until 2020. As is well known, our party advocated for a grand coalition of all opposition forces. While we continue to believe that such a coalition provides the best chance of defeating the PPP, we are confident that the APNU-WPA coalition could achieve the same outcome.
While WPA enters these elections with much energy and optimism, we must make it clear that we remain unhappy over the behavior of GECOM. Nothing emanating from that body inspires confidence that the process would be free, fair and just. There are too many loopholes and potholes in the system. WPA, therefore, enters the elections in protest against the rigged process, but will fight to undermine the rigging machinery even as we campaign.
Coalition vs One-Party Rule
For the WPA, the coalition model is better suited to our plural society than the current one-party model. We have long concluded that no single party, however strong electorally, could realistically govern Guyana in an impartial and democratic manner. Communal pressures coupled with a penchant for revenge against the other are factors that militate against a single party governing in the interest of all.
Close Elections: Turnout key
Even without access to reliable polling data, WPA is convinced that the results of the elections would be as close as those of the last three. We have not discerned any significant shift away from traditional voting patterns. As such, we think the outcome would be largely determined by voter turnout. With that in mind, WPA would in the next three months continue to expend a lot of energy in helping to mobilize a better turnout among the opposition’s traditional base.
Pitfalls of a Fragmented Opposition
A fragmented opposition presents a challenge that should not be overlooked, especially in a situation where anti-opposition forces are consolidating around the PPP. Splitting the opposition vote makes the task of defeating the PPP more challenging. WPA is not convinced that a minority government would propel democratic governance and political stability.
The First Order—Defeat the PPP
For the WPA, the first order of business must be the defeat of the PPP. That party has in the last five years, demonstrated its inability and unwillingness to manage our plural society against the backdrop of our rise as a petrostate. The PPP’s drive to dominate the State and society has militated against any transformative outcomes in the political economy. The favorable macroeconomic indicators have not been matched by a similar improvement in the quality of life of the broad masses. Similarly, race relations have deteriorated over the last five years as the PPP arrogantly pursues a policy of forced co-optation.
Policies—General and Particular
Having been out of office for the last five years, the opposition must concentrate on presenting policies to the electorate to which they can relate. Such policies must be both general to all Guyanese regardless of differences and particular to the various demographics. WPA is ready to contribute to the formulation of such policies as well as advocating for them on the campaign trail.
