WIN Accuses APNU and PPP/C of Political Manoeuvring

The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party on Friday sharpened its political stance during a press conference, stating that both A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) have aligned in ways that sideline WIN’s elected representatives and, in the party’s view, undermine the democratic mandate given by voters.

Speaking to reporters, WIN’s Chief Whip and Member of Parliament Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, flanked by WIN MPs Dr. Andre Lewis and Duarte Hetsberger, detailed what the party described as coordinated efforts by APNU and the PPP/C to exclude WIN councilors from leadership and committee positions on Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) across several regions. The party claimed that despite holding the majority in several councils, WIN members were left out of committee appointments and denied proportional representation.

Sarabo-Halley explained that in regions such as Three, Four, Five and Ten, procedural mechanisms were used to prevent WIN councilors from obtaining leadership roles or even committee seats — results that she said reflect a coordinated political strategy rather than impartial decision-making.

“The electorate has already determined the hierarchy within the opposition,” she said, asserting that WIN would continue to defend democratic mandates and that attempts to “manufacture relevance” through political manoeuvring would not deter the party.

Sarabo-Halley also reiterated WIN’s calls for proportional fairness and respect for constitutional authority both in parliament and at the regional level, emphasizing that WIN’s compliance with procedural requirements was repeatedly ignored in committee selections.

In response, APNU Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul rejected the allegations, stating there was no collusion between APNU and the PPP/C to exclude WIN from committee leadership. He maintained that outcomes were based on voting processes, denying any tactical alignment.

The press conference comes amid broader political tensions in Guyana, including ongoing disputes over electoral representation and the role of opposition parties since the 2025 general election, in which WIN emerged as the largest opposition party with 16 seats in the National Assembly.

Analysts say Friday’s conference underscores deepening rivalries between Guyana’s major political blocs, with WIN pushing back fiercely against narratives and actions it views as designed to diminish its influence at both regional and national levels.