IN the dynamic world of Guyanese politics, a simple gesture – the handshake – has become a symbolic representation of the complexities and challenges that shape the nation’s democratic landscape.

Recent exchanges between the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) have shed light on contrasting ideologies, deep-seated historical legacies, and the struggle for collaborative efforts to push Guyana further into the future.

The PPP, led by General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has maintained that its developmental plans are rooted in realism and thorough analyses.

Furthermore, Dr. Jagdeo expressed his long-standing frustration with the opposition’s economic proposals, claiming not to have seen a “workable, sensible, economic idea from the Opposition in decades.”

He pointed to the PNC/R’s tenure in office through the APNU+AFC coalition, stressing that the opposition had a five-year opportunity to implement their ideas, an opportunity he believes they squandered.

The PPP’s commitment to its development plans was reiterated by Dr. Jagdeo, who emphasised the alignment of the government’s initiatives with the party’s 2020 manifesto.

He also disclosed that the government had already begun planning for Budget 2024 and had initiated consultations with various trade unions across the country. Notably, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FITUG) proposed several ideas during these consultations, reflecting the shared commitment to improving the welfare of Guyanese workers.

In contrast to this collaborative approach, the refusal of the PNC/R leader to accept the President’s outstretched hand is a stark reflection of deeper issues within Guyana’s political landscape.

It is not merely a matter of personal pride but signifies a missed opportunity for dialogue, compromise, and productive cooperation.

The refusal to acknowledge electoral defeat, the attempts to undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process, and the recent behavior of the PNC/R have raised doubts about the party’s commitment to democratic principles.

The refusal to accept defeat not only threatens the party’s credibility but also reveals a stubborn attachment to an outdated political playbook.

In a political climate where slim majorities have become the norm since 2011, the conduct of the PNCR in the 2020 elections is seen as a self-inflicted wound, tarnishing the party’s reputation and weakening its position.

This irony is palpable – a party that re-entered the political stage through free and fair elections is now jeopardizing its future by rejecting democratic principles.

The refusal to extend a handshake is emblematic of a larger failure to adapt to post-1989 democratic politics.

In a time when citizens worldwide are demanding transparency, accountability, and respect for the sanctity of elections, the PNCR’s actions stand in stark contrast to the ideals that underpin modern democratic societies.

The question that arises is whether the PNC/R can regain credibility and embrace democratic values.

As long as the party has leaders who continue to promote the narrative of being cheated out of an election victory, the embrace of democratic values remains uncertain. In the competitive realm of politics, a party that does not adhere to such values may find itself with no place in the National Assembly and no future in modern-day politics.

The handshake that never happened serves as a stark reminder that true democratic progress requires a willingness to leave behind the baggage of the past and confidently stride into the future.

Unfortunately, the PNCR appears to be stuck in the past, resisting the transformation and adaptation demanded by the 21st century. As such, their political future may well hinge on whether such transformation becomes a reality.