As the Alliance For Change (AFC) prepares to host its National Executive Conference on January 28, party General Secretary David Patterson, said there are no restrictions barring individuals from competing for leadership positions. Patterson’s announcement was made on Friday at the party’s maiden press conference for the year, held at its Kitty headquarters.
Asked whether members of the party who are currently serving as ministers of Government will be allowed to contest for leadership positions in the party, Patterson responded in the affirmative.
“We haven’t put any restrictions on ministers. Obviously, if you feel you are capable and you indicate so, you will not be prevented from running. Previous to this, several of us had busy careers and we managed,” the General Secretary said.
He pointed out too that leadership positions in the party is not a “one-man job” but support staff is needed.
Patterson said that if persons who are nominated realise that there is difficulty in managing their posts, then the party expects them to be honest about it.
Executive member of the party, and current Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes also agreed with Patterson, reasoning that prior to the party securing Executive office, those ministers had careers which they managed well while serving as leaders of the party.
She also expressed that 2017 provides an exciting opportunity for the AFC to look at how the party can be strengthened, how it can plan for the next year, and for members to ensure AFC continues to make a positive contribution to the political landscape of Guyana.
“One of the focus this year is the opportunity for us to connect even closer with our wide array of membership; being able to get back into communities and being able to contribute generally to the positive direction we would like to see Guyana go,” Hughes said.
The party’s Executive Conference will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at the Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School, Region Three.
This will be the first occasion on which the party will host a National Executive Conference outside of Region Four.
The conference will feature elections for 16 positions, including Leader, Chairman, Vice Chairman, General Secretary and 12 National Executive Members.
The electoral system follows that of an electoral college and comprises 275 delegates spanning the 10 administrative regions.
According to the party’s General Secretary, delegates must be members of the AFC for a period of no less than one year and one day and be of good financial standing.
He said that the deadline for nominations is noon on Monday, January 23rd, 2017 and nominations from the floor will not be permitted.
A list of all nominees will be announced following the nomination deadline.
He said voting will be done by secret ballot and a returning officer who will be named at a later date will preside over the elections.
The conference will also allow for motions from any member (providing that it is seconded) and any member can attend; however, only the delegates have voting rights.