By Mark DaCosta- In the wake of escalating tensions over local governance and parliamentary integrity, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has issued a stark warning regarding what they describe as a systematic deterioration of democratic practices under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government. As the nation gears up for Local Government Elections, APNU stresses the urgent need for citizens to decisively engage in the political process to safeguard democracy and ensure responsible governance.
The APNU’s statement sheds light on a troubling pattern of Executive overreach and disregard for constitutional mandates, stating that the issues impacting our nation are not mere anomalies but rather a calculated strategy aimed at diminishing local governance. In a particularly pointed reference, they highlight the ongoing conflict between Georgetown’s Mayor Alfred Mentore and the Minister of Local Government, Priya Manickchand, as emblematic of the PPP/C’s antagonism towards municipalities that do not align with their political agenda. The APNU claims that promises made by the government have frequently fallen flat, leading to a “filthy capital city” and creating a public health crisis that is damaging to both citizens and the tourism sector. “This is not governance by competence and service,” APNU argues, “it is governance by control, coercion, and calculated institutional decay.”
The statements emphasise the need for active democratic engagement, as the upcoming elections represent one of the few remaining mechanisms through which citizens can exert influence over a government they perceive as increasingly authoritarian. The APNU’s entreaty for “active democratic accountability” resonates with a growing public sentiment that questions the legitimacy of the PPP/C’s governance.
Moreover, the opposition coalition paints a worrying picture of the current state of Parliament, accusing the ruling party of systematically undermining democratic processes. They argue that the absence of crucial parliamentary systems, including the parliamentary sectoral committees, illustrates the government’s desire to escape scrutiny. The APNU highlights that the frequent amendments to parliamentary rules and the stifling of the Public Accounts Committee’s activities serve only to reinforce the PPP/C’s authoritarian posture. They have raised alarms regarding Speaker Manzoor Nadir’s perceived partiality, saying that his actions risk turning the Speaker’s office into a “partisan political shield for executive convenience, lawlessness and abuse.”
The opposition partnership also voices concerns over the administration’s failure in housing delivery, pointing to “ceremonial launches and abandoned delivery” as a hallmark of the PPP/C’s approach. They cite alarming statistics from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) indicating an abysmal track record in delivering on housing titles, with only 12 percent completed in one region, and a similar dismal performance noted in another housing programme. “Housing in Guyana is struggling,” they state, noting that for many citizens, the promises tied to the oil industry remain unfulfilled.
As the nation prepares for the 2026 budget, APNU forecasts this could be the largest budget in our nation’s history, yet they are sceptical about the substance behind the figures. They assert that the budget is shaping up to be more about “public relations” than addressing the pressing needs of the populace. They raise concerns that it will disproportionately benefit a select group — a charge they describe as indicative of the PPP/C’s tendency to focus on providing for “the PPP elite, family, friends and favourites.”
In an appeal to the populace, APNU positions itself as a necessary force against the deteriorating governance, reinforcing its legacy of reform and rule of law. They stress the urgency of unity among opposition factions at a time when fragmentation only serves to empower executive overreach.
The APNU’s critique reflects deep-seated frustrations among citizens who demand leadership that prioritises accountability and genuine reform. As the political landscape shifts ahead of local elections, the message is clear: vigilance and active participation in the democratic process are paramount. The appeal to “keep an accurate scorecard” on government performance highlights a call to arms for the electorate, urging active involvement in defending democracy and promoting good governance.
The dynamic political atmosphere underscores a fundamental clash between the aspirations of a populace eager for accountability and a governing body perceived as increasingly disengaged from the realities facing ordinary citizens. As the sentiment against the current administration grows, the call for a more prosperous and accountable nation takes centre stage in the discourse of Guyanese politics.
