A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has confirmed that it moved forward independently in the elections of Regional Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons, following the failure of pre-election talks with the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party. The breakdown of discussions has sparked a public exchange between the two political forces, with WIN accusing APNU, the PPP/C, and others of “political collusion.”
In a press statement issued Friday, APNU stated:
“A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) moved forward independently in the elections for Regional Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons. We pursued the interest of this nation and the APNU interest.”
The coalition explained that negotiations held with WIN to reach a cooperative agreement ahead of the vote failed to bear fruit.
“A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) wishes to inform the public that discussions held with the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Party regarding a potential agreement ahead of today’s elections for Regional Chairs and Vice-Chairs did not result in any agreement. In fact, it manifested that WIN was prepared to exclude APNU from Chairmanship and Vice Chairmanship in many Regions.”
Despite what APNU described as “genuine efforts” to establish a shared framework for regional leadership, the parties were unable to finalize an agreement.
“Despite genuine efforts by the APNU to arrive at a cooperative framework that would reflect the aspirations of our shared constituents, the parties were unable to finalize an understanding before the elections.”
As a result, APNU supported its own slate of candidates:
“In light of this, APNU took the decision to move forward independently and to support its own slate of candidates for the positions of Regional Chairs and Vice-Chairs.”
The coalition reiterated its commitment to “principled and accountable leadership” while remaining open to future cooperation.
“This decision reflects our commitment to ensuring that the people we represent continue to benefit from strong, principled, and accountable leadership at the regional level. APNU remains open to future dialogue and collaboration with all political stakeholders in pursuit of unity, good governance, and development.”
“We reaffirm our dedication to serving the interests of all citizens and to advancing policies that promote inclusion, integrity, and progress across the regions.”
However, the WIN party took to social media shortly after the elections with a sharply worded statement, accusing both APNU and People’s Progress Party (PPP) of colluding to block WIN’s rise in the regional leadership structure.
Citing the results in Region 10, WIN noted:
“In the General and Regional Elections for Region 10, WIN secured 9 regional seats, APNU 5, PPP 3, and FGM 1. Following the elections for Regional Chairman today, all other parties — PPP, APNU, and FGM (Forward Guyana Movement)— colluded and voted for the APNU councillor, creating a 9–9 deadlock with WIN. As a result, the final decision now rests in the hands of the Minister of Local Government, Priya Manickchand.”
WIN condemned what it described as “backroom deals” and an effort to block the will of the electorate:
“This again is another clear example of political collusion designed to block the will of the people. These actions continue to expose a different truth, one of backroom deals and power-sharing arrangements when it suits their interests.”
WIN also alleged similar tactics were used in Region 8:
“In the General and Regional Elections for Region 8, WIN secured 7 regional seats, PPP secured 7, and APNU secured 1. At today’s swearing-in of councillors and the election for Regional Chairman, the APNU councillor cast their vote in favour of the PPP candidate, resulting in the PPP securing the chairmanship. PPP then rewarded APNU by giving them the Vice-Chair position. This is clear collusion.”
The WIN party framed these developments as proof of a long-standing deception in Guyanese politics:
“For decades, the Guyanese people were fooled into believing that the PPP and the (People’s National Congress) PNC were enemies. They have been lying to the people. Now that they have a chance to defeat the PPP, they are joining with them to stifle WIN.”
The statement concluded with a pledge to remain uncompromised:
“WIN wants to assure all Guyanese that we will not be compromised and we will not be bought. We will continue to represent the people of our country. WIN assures all Guyanese that our movement remains committed to transparency, integrity, and the people of this nation. We will continue to represent the voices of the ordinary people who deserve better than political gamesmanship and betrayal. WIN will continue to stand with you, fight for you and work to build a better Guyana for everyone.”
As the fallout continues, Region 10’s chairmanship remains undecided, with the final appointment now pending a decision by Minister of Local Government Priya Manickchand — a move certain to keep tensions high as political stakeholders await the outcome.
