By Mark DaCosta- As we look back on the year that has just passed, it is essential to examine the profound changes that have reshaped the political landscape of our nation. The year 2025 will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most tumultuous periods in our country’s political history. This year has laid the groundwork for enduring transformations that will influence the course of governance and public sentiment for decades to come.
The political saga began to unfold in early 2025 when the longstanding coalition between the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) formally splintered. While the tensions had been simmering since the controversial and contentious 2020 elections, the break was confirmed in late May. This fracture was significant as the AFC sought to establish itself as a standalone entity amid the broader political chaos, declaring its intention to contest the upcoming elections independently after efforts to negotiate a unity ticket with APNU fell flat.
Led by Nigel Hughes, the AFC attempted to rebrand itself as a centrist alternative to the political giants dominating our country. However, this is a role complicated by a lack of framework, as they found themselves squeezed between the incumbent PPP/C and a disintegrating APNU.
Within the APNU, dissent began to bubble over, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among the ranks regarding their performance and leadership decisions. Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton faced increasing scrutiny, with notable party figures openly criticising his style and approach. This unrest culminated in a series of high-profile defections as long-serving members and former Members of Parliament distanced themselves from the party.
Among the defectors were seasoned politicians who cited a stagnation in vision and direction, pointing to the party’s failure to adapt to the rapid changes driven by the country’s burgeoning oil economy. These departures signalled a critical loss of confidence and cohesion within a coalition that had once been seen as a formidable alternative to the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP). Many of those who left APNU joined rival political parties or established their own, as in the case of Amanza Walton-Desir, who formed the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM).
In June 2025, the political atmosphere underwent a seismic shift with the official launch of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, spearheaded by the charismatic billionaire businessman Azruddin Mohamed. This event marked a crucial turning point in the electoral landscape of our nation. Capitalising on a wave of discontent towards the established parties, Mohamed’s campaign was characterised by a focus on investment in social solutions, infrastructural development, and the theme of “wealth redistribution.” This populist approach resonated deeply with disillusioned voters who had witnessed the entrenched politics of the past delivering little tangible benefit.
What further bolstered WIN’s momentum was the signing of a joinder agreement with the remnants of A New and United Guyana (ANUG). This strategic move effectively consolidated what remained of the fragmented opposition groups under the WIN banner, allowing for a broader base of support. As WIN gained traction, the APNU’s decline accelerated, signalling a watershed moment in Guyanese politics. Prominent figures from the APNU, including former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) General Secretary Dawn Hastings-Williams MP, Amanza Walton-Desir MP, and MP Natasha Singh-Lewis, defected, indicating a chilling recognition amongst APNU’s ranks that their dominance was dwindling.
As the elections approached, tensions mounted. President Irfaan Ali, keen to maintain the advantage, dissolved Parliament on July 3, setting the stage for the September 1 polls. With the PPP/C promoting a narrative centred on fiscal responsibility and infrastructural continuity, they positioned themselves as the stable choice amidst a sea of uncertainty. In stark contrast, WIN pushed its populist agenda, appealing directly to the electorate’s desire for change and urging a move away from the status quo. Meanwhile, APNU’s traditional messaging faltered as they struggled to galvanise their core supporters.
The results of the September 1 Elections, officially declared by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on September 7, sent shockwaves through the political establishment. The PPP/C emerged victorious, securing 36 seats — a slight increase from the previous 33. The party retained the presidency, but the dynamics of power had shifted dramatically. The most notable outcome was WIN’s remarkable entry into the National Assembly, capturing 16 seats. This meteoric rise marked a significant departure from the historical two-party system that had persisted for decades, as WIN positioned itself as the Official Opposition.
The most devastating blow fell on the APNU, which saw its representation plummet from 31 seats to a mere 12. This collapse was particularly telling in formerly solid strongholds, particularly in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and substantial parts of Region 4, where the party had historically maintained strong support. In a final humiliation, the AFC failed to secure a single seat, resulting in the party’s glaring absence from Parliament and signalling a complete disregard for their previous influence in opposition politics.
As the year progressed into its final quarter, the inauguration of President Ali for a second term ushered in a new parliamentary reality. The dynamics witnessed during the elections had irrevocably altered the balance of power within the National Assembly. For the first time since the party’s conception, the PNCR — before now the historical backbone of APNU — was not the leading opposition party, marking a significant shift not only in the numbers but also in the demographics of support. WIN’s ability to attract voters from both the PPP/C’s younger base and APNU’s traditional Afro-Guyanese heartlands reshaped the narrative of political allegiance in our country.
However, as the dust settled from the elections, an unforeseen crisis emerged. In late October, bolstered by international pressure, authorities moved against Azruddin Mohamed. Following a formal extradition request from the United States on multiple criminal charges, Mohamed found himself ensnared in legal entanglements that swiftly escalated into a leadership crisis for WIN. The ramifications of this move not only cast a shadow over the party’s legitimate opposition status but also complicated the pursuit of accountability from the ruling government.
As December approached, the landscape became further charged with discussions about transparency and governance. Throughout the month, Mohamed intensified accusations against government ministers, scrutinising asset origins and land allocation practices. These confrontations marked a new era of political opposition in our nation, one driven less by partisan squabbles and more by a determined quest for integrity in governance. His fervent accusations spotlighted the pressing need for accountability and ethical leadership, directly challenging a government that had long been cushioned by a legacy of power.
The overarching implications of 2025’s political upheavals transcend mere election results. They underline the electorate’s escalating demand for transparent governance and equitable resource distribution, particularly as the oil and gas industry continues its upward trajectory. The promises made by the PPP/C and WIN during electrifying campaign periods carry with them weighty expectations for substantive reforms in the social contract between the government and the governed.
Reflecting on the pivotal events of this past year, it is evident that 2025 has redefined the fabric of our political landscape. The rise of WIN has disrupted the entrenched bipartisanship that has historically dominated our political discourse, prompting fears and hopes alike among citizens who yearn for a government that reflects their aspirations. Consequently, the upcoming year will undoubtedly test the mettle of our political parties and their commitment to evolving governance in tune with the needs of our society.
As we welcome 2026, all eyes will be on whether our officials will rise to the occasion and champion the ideologies that emerged from this seismic shift, or if we will revert back to the historical patterns of complacency and patronage. One thing remains clear: the political ground has shifted beneath our feet, making it imperative for our citizens to stay informed, engaged, and ever-vigilant in demanding accountability from those who govern in our name.
