THE Central Committee of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is expected to vote for a presidential candidate in a matter of days.

Those in the running include: Opposition Chief Whip and former Home Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira; former Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony; former Attorney General Anil Nandlall; former Minister of Housing, Irfaan Ali and Dr. Vindhya Persaud.

The members vying for the top position as presidential candidate made their case to the party’s Central Executive Committee last Thursday and Friday.
“Within a matter of days the voting could take place,” said General Secretary of the PPP/C, Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference at his Church Street office on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

Although the party is expected to vote for one of the five, there is still room for a consensus candidate whom Jagdeo said is always better.

“But one thing that happened in the presentations is that every single one of the five said if they do not become the candidate, they will work and support whoever is elected,” said Jagdeo, adding that it is not about the candidates, it is about the programmes of the PPP/C.

He said every candidate will have to pursue the programmes of the party which include inclusionary governance, resuscitating the sugar industry and improving conditions for miners among other things.

When asked if he will take a backseat after a candidate is selected, Jagdeo said he will do so only after the General and Regional Elections.
Jagdeo, who was accused of being closely involved in the operations of the past administration, denied doing such and said he will, however, play a formal role if the PPP/C returns to office.