THE People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC-R) finds itself mired in allegations of racial discrimination and internal corruption, charges that the party’s leadership continues to dismiss.

However, former party treasurer Faaiz Mursaline has brought these issues into the spotlight, revealing the systemic problems within the party. As the PNC-R prepares for its long-overdue congress in June, the time has come for a candid examination of its practices and leadership.

Mursaline, in an interview on “The Diaspora Connected,” did not mince words. He described the PNC-R as “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” asserting that the party’s entrenched racism and lack of transparency make it unfit to lead a unified Guyana. His experiences, marked by racial slurs and discriminatory practices, paint a grim picture of the party’s internal culture. These revelations are not mere allegations but reflect the reality faced by those within the party.

The former treasurer’s tenure, marked by efforts to address financial mismanagement, highlights another critical issue. Despite his attempts to bring accountability to the party’s finances, Mursaline encountered significant resistance. He disclosed that party funds have not been audited since July 2020 and that he was often required to sign blank cheques without proper documentation. Such practices raise serious concerns about financial propriety and the misuse of funds.

Mursaline’s criticisms extend to the leadership style of Aubrey Norton, whom he describes as “power drunk” and inaccessible. This autocratic approach, coupled with a lack of responsiveness to legitimate grievances, further undermines the party’s credibility. Norton’s leadership has been characterised by an unwillingness to engage with internal dissent and a failure to address the deep-seated issues within the PNC-R.

The resignation of Geeta Chandan-Edmond, former General Secretary of the PNC-R, is another indicator of the party’s internal strife. Her indefinite leave, reportedly due to the unbearable conditions within the party, underscores the toxic environment that persists. Such departures signal a profound need for reform if the PNC-R hopes to regain the trust of its members and the broader Guyanese public.

Despite these challenges, the PNC-R continues to portray itself as a “government in waiting.” This self-perception is starkly at odds with the realities of its recent tenure and the ongoing allegations against it. The party’s insistence on this narrative, without addressing its internal flaws, is not only delusional but also dangerous for the democratic process in Guyana.

As the PNC-R moves towards its congress, there is a pressing need for introspection and change. The party must confront its issues of racial discrimination and financial misconduct head on. Transparency, accountability, and an inclusive culture are essential for the PNC-R to rebuild its credibility and genuinely serve the people of Guyana.

The voices of those like Mursaline, who have witnessed and suffered from the party’s internal issues, must be heard and acted upon. The future of the PNC-R depends on its ability to reform and to align itself with the values of equality and integrity. Only then can it hope to play a constructive role in Guyana’s political landscape.