PNCR confirms…
President David Granger
President David Granger

Region Ten’s Sharma Solomon in the running for leader

CHAIRMAN of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Mr. Sharma Solomon, has been named the third candidate contending for the coveted position of Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) party.

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Region Ten Chairman Sharma Solomon

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, PNC/R General Secretary Mr. Oscar Clarke confirmed Solomon’s nomination against notable contenders incumbent leader Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger and former PNC/R Member of Parliament Mr. Aubrey Norton.

Solomon’s unprecedented bid for leadership of the PNC/R has the backing of the support base of the PNC/R stronghold of Linden, and the announcement of his nomination similarly comes at a time when some hostility has been spawned between the party ‘old guard’ and the up-and-coming younger breed.

Aubrey Norton
Aubrey Norton

The Region Ten Chairman is also reportedly contending for the chairmanship of the PNC/R against notable party heavyweights Aubrey Norton and the incumbent, Mr Basil Williams, PNC/R Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs in the APNU Shadow Cabinet.

Vice-Chairmanship of the Party will see contending the likes of Norton, PNC Member of Parliament Ms. Volda Lawrence and PNC member Mr. Stanley Paul; while the Treasurer’s post will be sought by PNC Member of Parliament Mr. Ronald Bulkan and PNC member Mr. Clement Corlette.

A total of 98 nominees was determined for contesting seats in the Executive Committee of the party, the General Secretary added. “Ninety-one of those nominees have accepted nominations, and therefore there are 91 persons on the list for the delegates of congress to choose 15.”

ELECTORAL INTEGRITY
There have been allegations that the electoral process set for the Congress has been subject to rigging or intentions of rigging, and that 60 delegates would be allowed to attend from Linden, as opposed to the initial figure of 90. This claim, made by the Region Ten PNC/R Committee, has sparked some concerns that an attempt has been made to reduce the influence of the Linden constituent representatives at the Congress.

Speaking on the soundness and fairness of the electoral process, Clarke remarked, “The number of delegates is dependent on the number of members of the party.” He added that in relation to the delegate selection scheme, “one delegate for every ten members who qualify to be delegates” will be allowed to contest.

Clarke, however, responded in the negative when asked about the possibility of factions in the party challenging the electoral process.

(By Derwayne Wills)

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