IN 1953, the first mass-based elections were here in British Guiana. It was a monumental moment. Prior to this development, colonial democratic centralism was the order of the day. The masses were excluded from voting, based on property qualifications and a myriad of electoral barriers that ensured the status quo was preserved. Accordingly, the 1953 elections will be forever etched in our annals as the event that resulted in the suspension of the constitution by the British and the removal of the PPP from office, after just 133 days in office. Since this event, Guyana has experienced 11 elections to date: in 1957, 1961, 1964, 1968, 1973, 1980, 1985, 1992, 2006, 2011 and 2015. The 1953 and 1964 elections were compelling, the 1992 and 2015 electoral process was cataclysmic. However, 2019/2020 teems with special symbolism that makes it worthy of being referred to as the mother of all elections.

Firstly, since Guyana’s independence, every single government has been subject to the ignominious fiscal reality of being dependent on foreign governments to provide handouts for national development. We have taken our proverbial ‘begging bowl’ to every world capital within reach. The discovery of black gold presents a scenario where the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is now in possession of a natural resource that will see us on a path to economic independence. US$300M of loan free money with no conditions attached. So, on the budgetary and fiscal front, this development makes the 2019/2020 elections arguably the most consequential elections in the nation’s history.

Secondly, the realpolitik of the situation is quite straight forward. The political party that controls the state apparatus during first oil has the opportunity to embark on unprecedented national development projects that will transform this nation economically, socially and politically. The political parties who are afforded this chance could win the hearts and minds of the people and purchase enough political capital to have power for possibly the next three electoral cycles. This would mean that those who lose out could be locked out of power for the next 25 years. It is for this reason we are witnessing and will continue to witness the mad rush to capture the minds of the people. For some, it is the biggest fight of their long political careers. Hence, it is not far-fetched at all to submit this will be the mother of all elections.

Thirdly, the soul and consciousness of this nation will be tested. A clear and simple choice faces the Guyanese people at the next elections. Do you wish to revert to pre-2015 lawlessness with arguably the most vicious cabal in the Caribbean’s modern history armed to the teeth with revenues from oil or continue the journey to a law-and-order society where the people can feel the benefits of being an oil-rich nation? It has to be noted, oil means nothing for the people if the revenues are controlled by people who are intent on ensuring themselves and their families are the only ones aggrandized. For this, the masses have got to be supremely aware of the unparalleled importance of these elections.