THE PPP is in dire straits. One wonders if this party has actually lost its way, as Ralph Ramkarran noted, or if it is totally oblivious to the dilemma in which it finds itself.Instead of assuming its constitutional function to assist the coalition with managing the country by sharing its expertise in Parliament — particularly in the face of endemic crime, a sluggish economy, pressing social issues, and a Venezuelan threat, the PPP finds comfort in playing “defensive” politics.

It has now become a champion of holding press briefings and writing letters to the press. It has refused to drop Dr. Bheri Ramsaran from its Parliamentary list despite calls from various individuals and social organisations to do so.

Now the swirling allegations surrounding former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall create additional headaches for the party.

Considering the Herculean task that it faces, the PPP needs to put its house in order and start representing its supporters.

One fact is historically clear about post-Independence Guyanese politics: Questions of legitimacy will always be a problem for any political leader, because of the racial divide in Guyana. The party’s legitimate role is to represent the 200,000 supporters who exercised their franchise on behalf of that party.

If Bharrat Jagdeo is going to be an effective Opposition Leader, he must reshape the image of the PPP. As a start, the PPP should drop both Ramsaran and Nandlall from its Parliamentary list. It is the necessary and logical thing to do.

The next step is to throw out the internal democratic centralism party structure, and, instead, promote an internal democratic process through which credible, capable and committed candidates can have an equal opportunity of being chosen to move up the leadership ranks.

By doing so, the PPP would demonstrate that it is willing to heed the call of its supporters, raising hopes that it can play the role of a Government in waiting.

BAYTORAM RAMHARACK