WITH general and regional elections on the horizon, and having now been presented with the candidates who want to lead Guyana, citizens can now decide which candidate and party may best represent their interests.

And, make no mistake that is the important question. Every Guyanese will recognise that it makes no difference if the president shares the same religion, or skin colour; what matters is who will make one’s life better. In other words, a clever person will look beyond the surface of a candidate or political party; an intelligent voter will examine each candidate’s record, and every party’s policies and agendas, and make the choice based on who is most likely to have the greatest positive impact on that voter’s quality of life.

A concrete “record” of policies may not exist for the newly-formed parties, as such, Guyanese may have to listen to their statements and decide, based on what weight is given to those statements, whether or not they are to be believed or trusted. Based on that, a voter may then choose to accept or reject the party and candidate.

The two main contenders on the other hand have tangible histories and, in the case of the APNU+AFC, a more solidly articulated philosophy. That fact makes the task of choosing one of those parties significantly easier. While each voter will make up his or her own mind, it makes sense too, to pay some attention to the opinions of experts and analysts on all sides.After all, when one is sick, one relies on the opinion of an expert doctor, and when one needs legal advice one goes to a lawyer, so, when it is time to make a political decision, a smart person will take time to consider the opinions of political experts. A smart individual never rushes to judgment.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has declared its presidential candidate to be Irfaan Ali. Mr. Ali has a record of work for his party as well as a public history in a position of power. The PPP also has a significant and easily assessed record, having recently been in control of executive government from 1992 to 2015 – a period of 23 years.

An intelligent voter will examine the PPP’s record; he or she will ask: did the quality of my life get better under the 23 years of PPP rule? Did the PPP do anything to improve my community? What was the state of my neighbourhood under the PPP? Did I feel safe from criminals; was there corruption; were my tax dollars used efficiently; what were the priorities of PPP officials; did I feel included in the decision-making process; was development of my region a priority of the PPP; and, was I happy with the performance of the PPP in those 23 years?

A smart voter will consider Mr. Irfaan Ali’s background within the context of the PPP’s performance, particularly his record as a government minister. Was he concerned with the welfare of all Guyanese; what were his priorities; did he appear corrupt; were there questions about his honesty; can he think for himself, or is someone else pulling his strings?

Astute Guyanese will also ask themselves the same questions about the APNU+AFC coalition and its presidential candidate Brigadier David Granger.
It is known of Granger’s academic history of graduation from the University of Guyana, where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees; his accomplishments at the University of the West Indies, where he received his post-graduate Diploma in International Relations; and David Granger’s achievements at the University of Maryland, where he was a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow have never been questioned.

The Brigadier’s training at the Urban Policy Development Workshop at the University of California; his attainments at the Defense Planning and Resource Management Course at the National Defense University, Washington DC; and at the Counter-Terrorism Educators’ Workshop at the Joint Special Operations, University in Florida have not ever been doubted.

The fact that Granger is an independent and visionary thinker, prolific author, and proven leader is known without question. His practical vision of a self-sustaining ‘green’ economy based on the philosophical foundation of the inclusion of all Guyanese in decision-making is an admirable ideal. The fact that, as president, David Granger has placed the country on that self-sufficient course is undeniable. And, Guyanese should take those realities into consideration when deciding who should serve as their leader.

Guyana’s history of division has not worked in the interest of the country. The divisive rhetoric of some politicians has not helped our personal development. Is it not time that we try a new approach; one of inclusionary democracy-a concept which has been espoused by President Granger time and again and which is also expressly stated in our Constitution.