Former Minister of State and Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, has issued a full-throated denial of claims suggesting he supports President Irfaan Ali’s bid for re-election, amidst mounting efforts by the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to project an image of broad-based national support ahead of the upcoming September 1 General and Regional elections.
In an interview with Credible Sources, Harmon categorically dismissed a widely circulated online media post that featured a photo of him alongside President Ali at the recent funeral of former government minister Amna Ally. The post insinuated that Harmon had thrown his support behind the incumbent president’s re-election effort.
“I have not endorsed President Ali for a second term, and the News Room cannot use a picture taken at Amna Ally’s funeral to convert that into an endorsement,” Harmon said firmly. “It is disgusting false journalism, and I demand the post be taken down.”
News Room has since taken down the post.
PPP Campaigning Against a Backdrop of Public Discontent
Harmon’s reaction comes against a backdrop of intensified efforts by the PPP to attract figures from the opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC)—moves that appear aimed at influencing public perception in the lead-up to elections.
However, these maneuvers unfold in a political climate where public confidence in key PPP figures remains notably low. According to recent polling data, only 29% of Guyanese express confidence in President Irfaan Ali, while Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo fares slightly worse at 25%. The same poll reveals that 62% of Guyanese want a change in national leadership altogether.
The opposition, too, is not immune to the wave of dissatisfaction. People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) leader Aubrey Norton faces 69% public opposition to his continued leadership of the coalition, raising questions about the state of morale and strategic direction within the APNU+AFC.
Crossovers and Rumours Add to Election Tensions
Amidst the declining trust in established leadership on both sides, some opposition members have crossed the floor, sparking further speculation and political maneuvering. In what appears to be an attempt to capitalize on this trend and boost its momentum, PPP-aligned voices on social media circulated the now-debunked claim that Harmon had endorsed Ali.
While crossovers are not new to Guyanese politics, their timing and the narratives built around them suggest calculated moves to influence voter sentiment. Harmon’s public rejection of these claims underlines the political sensitivity surrounding such endorsements—or perceptions of them—especially when public trust is waning.
With just months to go before the polls, the political climate is becoming increasingly charged. Both major parties face significant trust deficits, and the electorate appears more focused than ever on accountability, credible leadership, and the future direction of the country.
As the campaign season accelerates, all eyes are on how parties will respond—not just to each other, but to the voices of a public clearly calling for change.
