As Guyana enters an election year, the political climate is becoming increasingly charged with lofty promises and grand declarations. People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, has cautioned citizens to be vigilant against opposition rhetoric that lacks substance and feasibility.

His warning comes as the opposition parties—the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Alliance For Change (AFC)—roll out campaign fliers filled with commitments that, history suggests, they are unlikely to fulfill.

The opposition’s strategy is not new. In 2015, the APNU+AFC coalition campaigned under the slogan “A Good Life For All Guyanese.” However, their tenure proved to be anything but.
Instead of prosperity, the nation saw economic stagnation, increased taxation, and broken promises. Now, as election day looms, the same opposition is attempting to once again entice voters with extravagant pledges, yet failing to provide a roadmap for how these goals will be achieved.

A concerning pattern in the opposition’s rhetoric is its focus on expenditure without addressing economic growth. Jagdeo rightly pointed out that their promises lack discussions on diversifying the economy or fostering investment, which are critical for job creation and national development. Their approach mirrors the failed policies of the 1990s when Guyana was left bankrupt due to poor economic management.

A glaring example of this deceptive politicking is the recent post by AFC Leader Nigel Hughes, who pledged to restore Georgetown cemeteries—a project already underway by the current administration. If opposition leaders are willing to take credit for existing government initiatives, how can the electorate trust them to introduce meaningful, original policies?

Another repeated opposition promise is youth empowerment. In 2015, young people were a driving force behind the APNU+AFC campaign, only to find themselves sidelined once the coalition took office. High unemployment and economic hardship defined their tenure, and there is little evidence to suggest a different outcome should they return to power. Meanwhile, the PPP/C has demonstrated its commitment to youth and national development by implementing tangible policies, such as free university education, the doubling of old-age pensions, and the reinstatement of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant.

Perhaps the most glaring inconsistency in the opposition’s promises is its pledge to significantly increase old-age pensions. Historical data reveals that during the APNU+AFC government, pension increases were minimal despite substantial national budgets. Between 2015 and 2019, pensions rose by a mere $7,375, a stark contrast to the current administration’s substantial increases.

Election season is a time for critical thinking, not blind faith in recycled slogans. Voters must scrutinise campaign promises and demand clear, actionable plans. The PPP/C has a track record of delivering on its commitments, while the opposition has repeatedly failed to match words with action.

As Guyanese prepare to cast their votes, they must separate substance from spectacle and choose leadership that prioritises national progress over political grandstanding.