THE recent announcement by the APNU and AFC to determine by March 31, 2025, whether they will rekindle their political partnership for the upcoming general elections has sparked much debate and, for many, a sense of déjà vu. For those who lived through their 2015–2020 tenure, the announcement evokes memories of what was, by all accounts, a tumultuous and disappointing period in Guyana’s history.

From the abuse of public funds to widespread allegations of electoral fraud, the legacy of the APNU+AFC coalition is marked by controversy and mismanagement. The track record they left behind serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Guyanese endured during their time in power—a track record that raises legitimate questions about whether such a partnership has any relevance or merit today.

The APNU+AFC administration began its tenure in 2015 with actions that immediately eroded public trust. Despite campaign promises of transparency and accountability, they quickly engaged in practices that contradicted these ideals. The Auditor General’s report for 2015 highlighted the misuse of the Contingency Fund, with significant withdrawals made for expenditures that hardly met the criteria for emergencies. Adding insult to injury, government ministers awarded themselves a 50 per cent salary increase, while public servants saw a meager five per cent increase.

Meanwhile, 2016 brought further disappointment with the secretive handling of an $18 million signing bonus from ExxonMobil. Instead of depositing the funds into the Consolidated Fund as required by law, the money was kept hidden from public scrutiny. When the transaction was eventually exposed, the explanation that the funds were intended for legal fees in the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy did little to restore confidence, especially as no detailed accounting of its use was ever provided.

The APNU+AFC administration’s economic policies placed significant financial burdens on Guyanese citizens. Over 350 new taxes were introduced, affecting virtually every aspect of daily life—from VAT on electricity and water to increased fees for vehicle registrations and professional services. These measures stifled economic growth, increased the cost of living, and disproportionately affected the most vulnerable segments of society.

Adding to the economic strain was the closure of four sugar estates between 2016 and 2017—Wales, Skeldon, Enmore, and Rose Hall—which left over 7,000 sugar workers unemployed and devastated entire communities reliant on the sugar industry. A study funded by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) highlighted the severe social and economic consequences of this decision, including increased suicide rates and crime in affected areas.

The administration’s tenure culminated in the widely criticised 2020 general and regional elections, marred by allegations of electoral fraud. International observers, including the Commonwealth, OAS, EU, and Carter Centre, condemned the irregularities, particularly in Region Four, where results were manipulated to favour the APNU+AFC coalition. The five-month electoral impasse that followed not only undermined Guyana’s democratic institutions but also isolated the country internationally.

The idea of an APNU+AFC partnership rekindling its political alliance raises the question: what does this coalition hope to achieve in 2025? Do they believe that Guyanese have forgotten the economic hardship, governance failures, and threats to democracy that characterised their time in office?

The current leader of the PNC, Aubrey Norton, has already declared that any partnership would see him as the presidential candidate. However, leadership alone cannot erase the failures of the past. For the thousands of Guyanese who suffered under this coalition, the scars remain fresh, and the fear of a return to those days is palpable.

As the saying goes, “Those who forget the past are bound to repeat it.” It is critical for Guyanese to remember the lessons of the APNU+AFC administration and demand accountability from those seeking to lead. While the idea of partnerships and alliances is not inherently flawed, any coalition must be built on principles of good governance, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of all citizens.

The time has come for Guyana to move forward, leaving behind the divisive and ineffective politics of the past. Let this be a moment of reflection for voters and a warning to politicians: the people of Guyana have not forgotten, and they deserve better.