In a chilling throwback to a dark chapter in recent Guyanese history, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is once again drawing widespread criticism for its dangerous rhetoric and political intimidation. This time, the warnings came from its General Secretary and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.
Speaking last evening to a crowd of supporters, that included the usual rent-a-crowd posse- at Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, Jagdeo issued an alarming warning to opposition parties APNU and WIN. He declared:
“I want to promise them that in case they try to create trouble when they are defeated by this massive victory of the PPP, they’re going to get into big trouble… The security forces are ready to take on anyone who tries to disrupt the peaceful poll.”
Jagdeo’s remarks have been widely condemned by analysts and constitutional experts. They say he has no authority to make such threats. He is not the President. He is not the Commander-in-Chief. If the PPP wins re-election, that position remains with President Irfaan Ali.
Critics argue that Jagdeo’s statements are not only constitutionally baseless but also deeply dangerous. His threats appear designed to silence the opposition through fear and intimidation.
A Dangerous History Repeats
These 2025 threats are not without precedent. They come with a troubling history. On March 6, 2020, PPP/C supporters took to the streets in violent protest after the Region Four election results were declared.
One of the worst incidents that day happened in Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice. Protesters attacked a David ‘G’ school bus that was transporting children aged 13 to 15. The protesters hurled stones and debris at the vehicle. The rear windscreen was shattered. One child sustained a head injury. Others were left with cuts and bruises. They were rushed to Fort Wellington Public Hospital.
An eyewitness described the chaos:
“It was terrifying. The children were screaming. The bus was under full attack.”
Another school bus was also attacked in nearby Bush Lot. Protesters lit tyres on fire and threw debris across main access roads. This brought traffic to a halt and endangered innocent citizens using the public carriageways.
Despite the violence, the police and army—then under the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) administration—responded with restraint. The army remained in its barracks. Law enforcement officers focused on crowd control. They avoided using force and instead attempted to defuse tensions peacefully. Some were even stoned and injured by the PPP/C mob.
Weaponising the State
Fast forward to 2025, and Bharrat Jagdeo is openly threatening the use of those same security forces against political opponents. But Jagdeo has no legal authority over the army or the police. He is not the head of state. His words suggest he intends to use institutions of national security for political enforcement.
This has sparked fears that President Irfaan Ali, if re-elected, will not truly be in control. Many believe Jagdeo will be the one pulling the strings from behind the scenes.
Political analyst Randy Gopaul explained it plainly:
“These remarks confirm what many have feared. A re-elected PPP government would essentially be Jagdeo’s fourth term. The real power does not sit in State House. It resides at Freedom House.”
Jagdeo further escalated his threats by saying:
“If we dealt with Granger and his cabal, we can deal with these two kangalangs any day.” He was referring to APNU Presidential Candidate Aubrey Norton and WIN Presidential Candidate Azruddin Mohamed
This inflammatory language only deepens public concern. It suggests that the PPP is not just prepared to win. It is prepared to crush. If further suggest if the PPP loses election the leadership of the party and supporters would create widespread mayhem.
PPP’s Hypocrisy on Security Force Use
The PPP’s behaviour over the years reveals a pattern of double standards. In 2020, when their own supporters rioted and injured children, and damaged property the party remained silent on the violence. They condemned the election process but failed to take responsibility for the chaos they incited.
In 2019, PPP activists attempted to overturn the vehicle of then Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Karen Cummings. Once again, police responded with restraint. They used verbal persuasion to de-escalate the situation rather than bullets or batons.
PPP members blocked the path of the vehicle of Dr Karen Cummings, Minister of Foreign Affairs (Guyana Chronicle)
Now in 2025, Jagdeo is threatening a forceful crackdown in advance—before any protest even happens. This shift from restraint to aggression shows the PPP’s willingness to abuse power when it suits their interest.
A Call for Institutional Independence
It is now essential for President Irfaan Ali to make his position clear. Will Guyana’s security forces follow the Constitution? Or will they take orders from the General Secretary of the ruling party?
Until that line is clearly drawn, Jagdeo’s statements will continue to undermine public trust. His language fuels fears that Guyana is drifting toward authoritarian rule.
The people of Guyana deserve a free, fair, and peaceful election. They also deserve to know who is truly in charge.
