Diaspora prefers PPP, vex with AFC, rejects APNU – according to NACTA poll

AN informal opinion poll on Guyana’s electoral discourse being conducted by NACTA in the last few weeks in the New York metro area has revealed findings that are an almost exact replica of those found in Guyana. 

The survey has found that a large majority of Guyanese prefers the ruling PPP to the APNU-AFC alliance to govern Guyana. Most AFC supporters are vexed with their party and some have withdrawn from supporting it because of its tie up (marriage of convenience) with the APNU (PNC). A large majority rejects APNU saying it is the PNC under disguise latching on to the AFC to come to power.
The diaspora fears the restoration of tyrannical rule should PNC (renamed APNU) return to power through its electoral alliance with the AFC. The majority of the New York-based diaspora equate PPP with progress and development and APNU (PNC) with decline and underdevelopment. But they are not all in praise of the policies of the PPP with many saying the party needs to undergo serious reforms, reject several arrogant officials, and recruit credible members of the civic community to be on its electoral list.
The survey spoke with dozens of Indo Guyanese in Queens and a smaller number of Afro-Guyanese in Brooklyn. It was conducted by Dr. Vishnu Bisram, Director of NACTA Polling.
Although a large number of the diaspora are dissatisfied with PPP governance, they feel it is a better alternative to the alliance led by the PNC (APNU). The majority does not view the APNU-AFC alliance as attractive, expressing fear of a repeat of history when the PNC and UF formed an alliance to defeat the PPP during the 1960s. They noted that after capturing power, the PNC used its majority to kick out the UF resulting in the establishment of a PNC dictatorship and all the attendant abuses between 1964 and 1992. Guyanese Americans see APNU as the PNC, and they are not pleased with the AFC forming an alliance with it. While many overseas-based Guyanese say they are comfortable with the AFC, and would have supported the party had it fought the election alone, they feel uncomfortable with the AFC teaming up with APNU.
They feel no good would come out of such a partnership especially that the APNU (PNC) would control a majority of the M.Ps and the cabinet where decisions are made by majority vote. The alliance gives a 60% majority to the APNU whose leader will control political power as per the constitution.
A large majority of the diaspora is not in favour of any alliance in which APNU (PNC) is a constituent part. They feel the PNC (APNU) disqualifies itself for being in any democratic alliance by refusing to address abuses of its governance and tendering a sincere apology to the nation about same.
The diaspora (especially in Queens) endorses the one time view of the AFC that it is “political kokobey” to link up with the PNC (APNU). And they say they are shocked that the AFC would go to bed with the APNU, viewing it as political opportunism and politicking of vengeance against the PPP.
The findings of the poll also reveal a large number of Guyanese are upset with the PPP, venting their frustration over the Government’s handling of a number of controversial matters and perception of corruption. But they say they do not want to take a chance with the APNU, even in an alliance, worried that APNU would resort to racial intimidation and discrimination. They see a repeat of the terrible PNC governance of 1960s thru 1980s all over again. The diaspora make reference to contraband goods, jail for consuming banned foods, kick down robberies, national service, ‘guylines’, rigged elections, and dictatorship, among other complaints. They said they do not wish a repeat of that horrible experience.
The survey found people are divided in their political loyalty along racial lines. Almost every overseas-based Afro-Guyanese feels the alliance should be given a chance although they grudgingly say the country has made great strides since the PPP came to office in 1992.
Almost every Indo-Guyanese feels the AFC should have contested the elections by itself, but some are still supporting the AFC though not pleased with the party teaming up with the PNC. The overwhelming majority of Indo-Guyanese Americans wants the PPP to retain office to keep out the APNU (PNC) from reversing the gains made since the restoration of democracy in 1992. Although many Indians express displeasure with some of the PPP’s policies, arrogance of some Government officials, and the perception of corruption, among other complaints, they say they cannot afford to take a risk with APNU-led alliance fearing a repeat of the past.
As some of them put it, it is a case of supporting the lesser of two evils for they know of what the PNC is capable of. Indians fear a reversal of political and economic gains the country has made since 1992 and a re-establishment of a dictatorship.
They are convinced that APNU (PNC) is riding the AFC in order to win the election and once it acquires power, it will dump the AFC. Many Indians also express a serious concern of a repeat of racial victimisation and discrimination that characterised PNC rule between 1965 and 1992. Portuguese-Guyanese Americans also express a similar fear. Afro-Guyanese Americans, on the other hand, do not feel that the alliance will engage in the discredited practices of PNC rule.

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