INFIGHTING is deepening within the main opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) over the party’s presidential candidate for the 2011 general elections, well-placed party sources said yesterday. Senior leaders Mr. Winston Murray, Mr. Basil Williams and Ms. Deborah Backer have emerged as top likely choices, and the sources said the respective camps are jostling to ensure their choice gets the nod, with some investing much financial and other support in the campaigning.
According to the sources, a PNCR General Council meeting Saturday at the party’s Congress Place Headquarters in Georgetown decided that a team to be picked next month will chart the selection process.
A report on how this will be done is to be presented to the next General Council meeting due in September, a source said.
While Murray seems to be gaining support, there is increasing opposition against his candidacy, especially among die-hard party members who feel the PNCR is shifting away from its original ideals, the source added.

Party insiders say there is increasing support for Williams and Backer who, party members believe, stands a better chance as presidential candidate over Murray. In some sections there are concerns about Murray’s possible health among other factors that mitigate against his candidacy.

Party leader, Mr. Robert Corbin, has announced that he would not be the presidential candidate for the party at next year’s general elections and this has led to heavy lobbying by some top officials among party members for the slot.
The General Council meeting Saturday also discussed alliances and a coalition with other parties for the 2011 polls, but insiders said the party will be insisting that the PNCR is the major partner in any coalition.