THE PNCR’s coalition with parties without a solid support base is really just a charade
After learning of the new coalition front that was recently forged between the PNCR and other political parties, I must say that if this is the face of coalition in Guyana, then all Guyanese must come to realise that a coalition victory is staggeringly improbable. With this new “united front” coalition party contesting the general election, the PPP is guaranteed another election victory. Let us be honest with ourselves here; can this new agreement really be deemed a coalition, when it most certainly will be heavily controlled by the PNCR and Mr. David Granger?
A coalition, by definition, is after all, a group of rival entities, in this case, these different political parties, uniting for a common short-term goal of countering a common enemy, the PPP. In this unity, a leader for the pack must be clearly identified and approved by all members of the coalition, and there must be some positive-sum politics at play, where all parties involved in the coalition enjoy equal benefits. This coalition will not work because where the PNCR is concerned, it is the leading opposition; it is the driving force and backbone of the coalition. The other parties are insignificant; hence, PNCR domination is inevitable. Zero-sum politics will dominate this agreement, and the PNCR is trying to use this coalition front as a means of achieving political gain at the other parties’ expense. Would Mr. Granger step down to afford the other parties’ leaders the presidential candidacy? That is highly unlikely. The PNCR’s influence and domination of this coalition front is what will cost that party and the coalition party that was recently formed the next election.
We are already aware that the dominating ideas and policy content of the new coalition’s manifesto will be heavily drawn from and influenced by the traditional, sorrowful PNCR manifesto that Guyanese want no dealings with. Therefore, the PNCR’s coalition with parties without a solid support base is really just a charade.