By ret’d Lt. Col Lelon Saul- Elected dictatorships are regimes that present a democratic appearance while gradually dismantling checks and balances. These governments often use political slogans as tools of manipulation to strengthen their power and conceal authoritarian practices. A clear example of this is Guyana’s transition from the national motto “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” to the ruling regime’s slogan “One Guyana,” which exemplifies this dynamic.
Slogans such as “One Guyana” aim to reshape national identity to align with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) agenda. By replacing a historically significant motto, the PPP/C claims authority over the national narrative, presenting itself as the exclusive authority on unity and progress.
Including the slogan on passports, currency, and state media guarantees constant visibility, creating a subconscious link between the Ali/Jagdeo regime and nationalism. This cultivates an illusion of unity, regardless of whether policies are exclusionary or divisive.
An emphasis on “oneness” might divert attention away from discriminatory behaviours or power consolidation in ethnically or politically divided societies (such as Guyana’s Indo- and Afro-Guyanese tensions). The slogan hides the truth of marginalisation.
The Ali/Jagdeo regime stigmatizes opposition by portraying disagreement as incompatible with national unity. To defend repression under the pretence of maintaining cohesion, critics are portrayed as upsetting the “One Guyana” concept.
Slogans turn into unassailable facts in situations where media freedom is restricted, which is typical in elected dictatorships. They are constantly repeated by state-run media, leaving little room for opposing viewpoints. Similar strategies include Venezuela’s “Socialism of the 21st Century” and Erdoğan’s “One Nation, One Flag” in Turkey, where phrases were used to cover up democratic reversals.
The regime’s control over institutions determines how effective slogans are. The use of “One Guyana” in official documents in Guyana signifies state capture and normalizes the narrative of the ruling regime. Unfortunately, deception is most successful where civil society and independent media are weak. In Guyana, if opposition groups or grassroots movements expose the hypocrisy of the slogan, its power will diminish
The overuse of hollow slogans can lead to public distrust, particularly when material conditions worsen. For example, economic disparity and inequity under the “One Guyana” campaign may reveal the gap between rhetoric and reality. While this slogan might resonate domestically, it obviously fails to persuade external observers, who see it as mere propaganda.
Elected dictatorships, such as the Ali/Jagdeo regime, frequently use political slogans to manufacture consent, suppress dissent, and centralize power. Their success, however, hinges on the regime’s ability to control information and repress alternative viewpoints.
The slogan “One Guyana” serves as an example of how unity rhetoric can be weaponised, but its long-term effectiveness depends on maintaining fear, patronage, and institutional dominance. Ultimately, while such slogans can be strong tools for short-term manipulation, they remain fragile and vulnerable to grassroots resistance and systemic contradictions.
