Benschop tells Opposition: “The Objective is to Win, Not Drive People Away”

Activist and political commentator Mark Benschop has issued a sharp warning to the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the main opposition party, over what he describes as dangerous arrogance, internal disunity, and political self-sabotage, at a time when cohesion is crucial to confronting the “installed People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime.”

Speaking on his nightly programme ‘Straight Up with Mark Benschop,’ the  immigration consultant and civil rights advocate warned that the PNCR’s current approach is costing them support and threatening their chances in the upcoming 2025 General and Regional Elections.

“The objective of an opposition party is to win and take control of the government,” Benschop asserted. “Every single vote is important — even those you disagree with, those you don’t see eye to eye with, and especially those who aren’t part of the ‘follow-the-leader’ gang.”

Benschop condemned what he described as a culture of “arrogance” and “buse-out politics,” where party members who offer different perspectives are sidelined or attacked, rather than embraced. He said the PNCR has adopted an outdated and rigid political culture that is doing more harm than good.

“It is my view what’s happening within the main opposition, PNCR, and what they’re doing, instead of bringing people close to the party and winning votes,  they are rejoicing when people leave,” he said.

“What they are doing is not helpful in keeping supporters or encouraging others to join. At this critical juncture, we need all hands on deck, especially their support base which is 220,000; keep those and encourage others to join or vote for them.”

Without naming individuals, Benschop took aim at certain “neophytes” within the party who he believes are more concerned with clout and internal status than growing the movement. “Some believe that the more they cuss out, the better their chances of getting a position. That doesn’t work, at least not for me,” he said.

Calling for a total rethink of political strategy, Benschop stressed the importance of treating every supporter with dignity and recognising the value of diverse views, religious beliefs, and identities. He warned that the opposition’s internal behaviour risks alienating not only existing voters but also potential allies from outside the party’s traditional base.

“Reality check is needed,” he urged. “The game plan should be to stop people from leaving and encourage others to join, not celebrate their departure.”

Benschop’s remarks reflect growing public frustration with the state of opposition politics in Guyana, particularly among those who feel disenchanted by infighting and poor leadership. His remarks come amidst call for the Opposition –Alliance for Change (AFC) and PNCR- to unite, modernise its tactics, and respect its base or face irrelevance at the polls.

“To be continued,” Benschop said, suggesting his critique is far from over, and so too is the public reckoning he believes the PNCR desperately needs.