With Guyana’s General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1, 2025, retired Lt Colonel Lelon Saul has issued a compelling plea for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) to expedite their coalition talks and present a united front to the electorate.
Saul, a former senior officer in the Guyana Defence Force, emphasised that the nation’s democratic stability hinges on the opposition’s ability to coalesce effectively.
He warned that prolonged negotiations could fracture the opposition, diminishing the democratic choices available to the Guyanese people.
“Time is of the essence,” Saul declared. “Prolonged negotiations risk fracturing the opposition at a critical juncture and diminishing the democratic choice available to the Guyanese people.”
Saul emphasised that the path forward cannot be dictated solely by party politics, but must be informed by a clear-eyed understanding of national realities and voter expectations. He appealed to both parties to act not out of self-interest but out of duty to the nation.
“I implore both parties to rise above narrow partisan interests and individual ambitions,” he said. “The path forward must be guided not by internal party politics alone, but by a sober assessment of both external realities… and internal organisational imperatives.”
Citing regional political history, Saul referenced the formation of Venezuela’s “Mesa de la Unidad Democrática” (MUD), a broad-based opposition coalition formed under Henrique Capriles Radonski. That alliance, he noted, overcame deep divisions to prioritise national salvation—a lesson Guyana must now heed.
“While contexts differ, the core principle remains that coalitions require compromise and a shared vision greater than any single entity,” Saul stated.
Amidst Guyana’s growing economic opportunities and persistent governance challenges, Saul believes that a strong, united opposition is not just desirable but essential. He issued a clear four-point appeal to the APNU and AFC leadership:
- Expedite Talks – Commit immediate and focused resources to finalise a coalition framework.
- Embrace Compromise – Allow national interest to guide negotiations, not internal party dominance.
- Learn from Precedent – Look to examples like Venezuela’s MUD as proof that unity is possible.
- Communicate Unity – Share clear timelines and evidence of progress with the public.
“Presenting a united, credible, and prepared alternative to the electorate is paramount,” Saul stressed.
His message was not simply a critique, but a plea—a call for leadership that places Guyana first, above ego and faction. As the clock ticks down to election day, the stakes have never been higher.
“The imminent General and Regional Elections demand decisive action and unwavering commitment to Guyana’s democratic stability and national interest,” Saul concluded.
Whether the APNU and AFC will answer that call remains to be seen. But Saul’s words echo the sentiment of many- the time for unity is now.
See full statement below
The imminent General and Regional Elections demand decisive action and unwavering commitment to Guyana’s democratic stability and national interest. I, therefore, urgently call upon the APNU and AFC to accelerate and conclude their discussions to form a cohesive coalition without further delay.
Time is of the essence. Prolonged negotiations risk fracturing the opposition at a critical juncture and diminishing the democratic choice available to the Guyanese people. I implore both parties to rise above narrow partisan interests and individual ambitions.
The path forward must be guided not by internal party politics alone, but by a sober assessment of both external realities (the current political landscape, national challenges, voter expectations) and internal organisational imperatives (shared values, strategic alignment, and the capacity for effective governance).
History, even within our region, offers powerful examples of what can be achieved when political forces prioritise the nation over the party. Recall the formation of the “Mesa de la Unidad Democrática” (MUD) coalition in Venezuela, spearheaded by Henrique Capriles Radonski.
Faced with an immense challenge, diverse political entities demonstrated that setting aside deep-seated differences and personal agendas in pursuit of a common national goal is not only possible but essential.
While contexts differ, the core principle remains that coalitions require compromise and a shared vision greater than any single entity.
Guyana faces significant challenges and opportunities. Presenting a united, credible, and prepared alternative to the electorate is paramount. I urge the APNU and AFC leadership:
- Expedite Talks: Dedicate immediate and focused resources to finalise the coalition framework.
- Embrace Compromise: Let the greater good of Guyana dictate terms, not internal party dominance.
- Learn from Precedent: Draw inspiration from successful coalitions like the MUD, where parties prioritised national salvation over individual interest.
- Communicate Unity: Provide the public with clear timelines and demonstrate tangible progress towards a unified front.
