By Vishnu Bisram
THE PNC/R holds internal party elections (at the Congress that will take place virtually and in person at various regional sites) this Saturday to choose a leader, chairperson, and other executive positions. The election was postponed from December 11 to 18 to allow the newly- appointed presider (overseer) additional time to prepare for the process. Based on a survey of persons around the nation, the election has attracted substantial attention, especially those who routinely watch or read the media (social media included). Even non-supporters of the PNC/R, as well as the diaspora, are following the election. They all say the election is critical for the democratic functioning of the PNC/R as well as for democracy in Guyana. Some individuals, supporters of the ruling PPP/C, have no interest in the election, dismissing it as a ‘political gimmick’.

It is noted that as an opposition party, the PNC/R has an important role to hold the government accountable and to respect democratic processes and norms in the country. If it does not subscribe to internal democratic processes, then it cannot function democratically in the nation. Given the history of fraud in earlier internal elections, the key question people ask is if the election will be free and fair.

There are two slates contesting the executive posts and a few independents. Aubrey Norton and Joe Harmon are heading slates while Van-West Charles, Burnham’s son-in-law, is seeking the leader position as an independent. Basil Williams pulled out of the contest for leader. Volda Lawrence, incumbent Chair, and Carl Greenidge have declined nominations.

Based on interviews of supporters and those claiming to be members as well as accredited as delegates, Basil Williams had no chance of being elected leader, not running remotely close. Van-West Charles was trailing him in support. The leader contest is really a battle between Norton and Harmon. One is preferred over the other by the general public (supporters and non-supporters) while the other has strong support among the grass roots members. Williams has some grass roots support but not much delegate support. Van-West Charles has support among old Burnhamites who are now limited in number.

The members do not vote in the election. The winner will be chosen by delegates. Whichever slate has more accredited delegates will triumph.  The general view among members, supporters, and non-supporters of the PNC/R is the delegation selection process is/was manipulated. It favours one candidate over the other. Based on interviews of delegates and members, older voters (delegates) tend to favour Norton while the younger generation prefers Harmon. The younger members and supporters of the PNC/R want a reformed and modern PNC/R that can compete in general elections and not engage in skullduggery. There is race-baiting.

One candidate has some race crossover appeal while another candidate is not only lacking in cross ethnic appeal but is feared by Indians, Mixed, Amerindians, and others. Some of the delegates interviewed say that a large number of delegates seem to be hard core grass roots activists coming from among the older generation, many of who venerate characters like Hamilton Green, Forbes Burnham, and those who hold extremist or radical views. They support views of characters like Rickford Burke.

Those who express their views on the elections say a major challenge facing the election presider and his team is to have a transparent democratic process and to get the varied candidates (slates) to accept the outcome.
As party members articulate in their own way, political parties are an integral part of a functioning democracy. And since they are so important for the functioning of democracy, parties must themselves be democratic in their functioning. All members must get full opportunity to express their internal political choice for office bearers in any party.  Thus, elections must be free and fair. The returning officer and his team must make every effort to ensure that the election is free and fair and all candidates must accept the outcome.