By Mark DaCosta-In a significant press release, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) announced completion of its electoral manifesto as it moves towards the general elections scheduled for September 1, 2025. This document, crafted over four years of discussions with citizens and experts, aims to underline the coalition’s commitment to prioritising the needs of the Guyanese people. Additionally, the press release raises serious concerns about alleged improprieties within the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and a controversial public-private partnership deal involving the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL).
According to the coalition, APNU’s manifesto captures the essence of a People-Centred Development Strategy, which promises to tackle various critical issues, including poverty elimination, the management of oil revenue, and the enhancement of social services. The party expresses determination to engage with the electorate, stating, “We are heartened by the response of the Guyanese people so far,” while urging citizens to remain vigilant against perceived attempts by the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to polarise public sentiment through political theatrics.
The APNU’s strong stance on electoral integrity is evident in concerns regarding GECOM’s recent appointments of returning officers, described as “hand-picked” and lacking transparency. A glaring example is from Region 2, where a candidate scoring just over 60 percent was selected over far more qualified applicants. This pattern reportedly undermines the commission’s credibility, as selections appeared politically motivated rather than based on merit, raising alarm bells about potential electoral manipulation. The party claimed, “These are no accidents. These are deliberate moves to install individuals who are… to serve the ruling party.”
Adding to their concerns, the APNU highlighted irregularities in the electoral process, particularly around the size of the voters’ list and the number of polling stations. Despite an increase in registered voters — now standing at over 757,000 — the number of polling stations has inexplicably decreased by 97, which critics argue may disenfranchise voters, especially in rural areas. The coalition warns, “This would not only encourage voter frustration but many of the reductions are in the APNU strongholds.”
Furthermore, the party uncovered alarming instances of bulk voter registration at single residential locations, with 223 individuals registered at one address in Ogle. Such practices hint at electoral malpractices, according to the APNU, which described this as a dangerous manipulation aimed at “padding the voters’ list with phantom electors.” This misuse of the electoral system poses a profound threat to the democratic process in our nation, urging stakeholders to take action.
On another front, the APNU has called for immediate cessation of a controversial Agreement between the GPL and InterEnergy Group, alleging that it is “corrupt” and could jeopardise jobs for hundreds of GPL employees. The proposed partnership, reportedly reached without public consultation and parliamentary oversight, is seen as detrimental to the nation’s welfare, with the APNU asserting that it “raises profound and troubling concerns for our country.”
The coalition has demarcated critical issues tied to job security, arguing that the Agreement could lead to significant staff layoffs while shifting financial burdens onto taxpayers. Such actions are categorically labelled as “unacceptable and unjust” by the APNU, which vows to uphold employment and improve conditions for GPL workers if elected.
“Under an APNU-led government, you have absolutely no reason to fear for your livelihoods,” the coalition assured GPL staff, as they laid out their vision for a more transparent, accountable, and fair governance system. The Gas-to-Energy Project, they vowed, will be effectively managed without compromising local employment.
As the political landscape heats up in the coming weeks leading to the elections, the APNU is evidently rallying the Guyanese people around a message of unity and vigilance. The coalition has unequivocally stressed that the wellbeing of the populace will take precedence over political agendas, asserting that the nation’s resources should “be put in the hands of the Guyanese people.” This pledge is part of a broader promise to deliver responsible governance, aimed at securing a prosperous and dignified future for everyone.
