IN the annals of Guyanese politics, a new chapter is being written; one that paints a bleak picture of an opposition in disarray.
The People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC-R)-led coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) have earned the dubious distinction of being labelled “the worst opposition in history” by an increasingly frustrated public.
This scathing indictment is not without merit. The opposition’s recent performance has been a masterclass in political ineptitude, characterised by infighting, neglect of coalition partners, and a stunning failure to effectively represent their supporters. The result is a dangerous erosion of public trust.

At the heart of this political quagmire lies a deeply fractured opposition. The PNC-R, once a formidable political force, now finds itself mired in internal struggle. Reports suggest that the party has not participated in strategic meetings for over two years, thereby raising serious questions about its commitment to coalition values and inclusivity.

This lack of engagement has not only weakened the opposition’s effectiveness, but has also alienated its partners.
The AFC, once a significant player in the coalition, has been reduced to a mere shadow of its former self.

Allegations of corruption and mismanagement during its time in government have tarnished its image, leaving it struggling to maintain relevance and identity. The party’s past failure to assert itself within the coalition had rendered it ineffective, both as a partner and as a political entity.
The opposition’s current predicament is inextricably linked to its actions during the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

The APNU+AFC’s blatant attempts to undermine the will of the people, and influence the election outcome have left deep scars on the Guyanese psyche.
These actions, witnessed by people worldwide, have severely diminished the integrity of the parties now occupying the opposition benches.
Even more concerning is the opposition’s apparent unwillingness to learn from past mistakes. As another election looms on the horizon, there has been no indication that the collective opposition is prepared to recognise and respect the will of the people, regardless of the outcome.
This stubborn refusal to accept democratic principles is not only disappointing, but dangerous for the future of Guyanese democracy.

The opposition’s failures extend beyond mere political incompetence; they represent a fundamental betrayal of the trust placed in them by their respective supporters and the broader Guyanese public.
In a healthy democracy, a strong and effective opposition is crucial; it ensures accountability, encourages robust policy development, and fosters public trust in governance.
The current opposition has failed on all these fronts. Instead of engaging in healthy debates with the governing PPP/C, they have descended into a morass of infighting and ineffectiveness. Their inability to address the complex political and socioeconomic issues facing Guyana has also left them ill-equipped to challenge the government effectively.

For Guyana to move forward, it needs an opposition that is willing to engage in constructive dialogue, respect democratic norms, and put the interests of the people first. The current opposition has failed in this sacred duty. It is time for them to either step up, or step aside, making way for a new generation of leaders who can truly represent the aspirations of the Guyanese people.