THE recently concluded Local Government Elections in Guyana have witnessed a remarkable victory for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), signifying a major shift in political landscape and public support. Party General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo rightly hailed the massive success achieved by the PPP, while expressing disappointment at the opposition’s persistent dissemination of falsehoods despite credible records.

The numbers speak for themselves, with a staggering 75 per cent increase in the number of seats secured by the PPP in comparison to the 2018 elections. Dr. Jagdeo pointed out that the PPP emerged triumphant with 906 out of the 1,220 seats, a notable increase from the 779 seats secured in the previous elections. This victory is even more impressive when considering that the opposition, namely the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) merged with the Alliance for Change (AFC) in 2018 and could only muster 390 seats.

Dr. Jagdeo emphasised that the PPP’s gains extended into opposition strongholds, effectively debunking the opposition’s attempts to distort the truth. He made it clear that the PPP would not tolerate the spread of lies and misinformation, particularly in light of recent claims made by APNU members in the media.

To address the opposition’s baseless assertions, Dr. Jagdeo presented concrete evidence that refuted their claims. He revealed that APNU’s narrow victory in Plegt Anker constituency, a traditional PPP stronghold, was marred by five tendered ballots, prompting the PPP to request a recount. Furthermore, he highlighted that APNU failed to mention their loss in Kortberaad East, while the PPP secured 39 of the Proportional Representation (PR) votes in Plegt Anker compared to APNU’s 21. Clearly, the opposition’s claims of making significant inroads were nothing more than delusions.

In Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), the PPP emerged victorious in several Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), debunking APNU’s assertion of a “whitewashed” victory. Dr. Jagdeo illustrated the PPP’s success by pointing out the dramatic increase in votes in No. 5 Village, a traditional APNU stronghold, from a mere two votes in 2018 to an impressive 206 votes in the 2023 polls. This pattern of success extended to other areas like ‘C’ Field, Blairmont, Hamlet/Chance, and even Buxton, which are considered APNU strongholds.

A remarkable achievement for the PPP came in Georgetown, another traditional APNU stronghold, where the party secured five out of the 15 constituency seats. This represents a step forward for the PPP in local government in Georgetown, as they gained two more seats compared to the 2018 elections. Constituencies One, Four, and Seven are now new footholds for the PPP, further demonstrating their widening support base.

Dr. Jagdeo affirmed that the PPP’s victory was not confined to its strongholds but also extended to areas where they did not contest, showcasing the party’s ability to resonate with diverse constituencies. He dismissed APNU’s claims that low voter turnout indicated rejection of the PPP, pointing out that historical data reveals local government participation has always been low. Despite this, the PPP secured resounding success and trounced the opposition with such a turnout.

The commitment of the PPP to improve the lives of citizens remains unwavering. Dr. Jagdeo assured the public that the party would fulfill all promises made during the campaign, underscoring the importance of accountability and upholding the trust placed in them by the people. The PPP’s outstanding support, as demonstrated in various regions, has energised party members and further motivated them to work even harder.

The results of the Local Government Elections provide a clear indication of the PPP’s progress and the public’s trust in their governance. The substantial increase in seats, particularly in opposition strongholds, is a testament to the party’s ability to unite and appeal to a diverse electorate. As the PPP moves forward, it is crucial for them to remain focused on delivering on their promises and continuing to foster progress, development, and inclusive governance for the betterment of all Guyanese citizens.