–public weighs in on growing internal struggles, indecisiveness between AFC, PNCR; foresees imminent collapse of opposition

AS Guyana inches closer to the 2025 General and Regional Elections, persons have criticised the growing confusion in the People’s National Congress Reform’s (PNCR) and Alliance For Change (AFC) camps, and the indecisiveness among the opposition members.
In a letter to the editor published by Stabroek News on Tuesday, UK-based media professional John Mair summed up the situation succinctly.
“If I were a Guyanese voter – I am not – I would find myself confused and stuck in the land of fantasy politics for the November election…Who is the Opposition/Coalition candidate for President and who for Prime Minister? How are they going to divvy up the seats in the unlikely event of a victory?” Mair wrote.
Mair’s criticism reflects widespread public confusion following statements from both the PNCR and the AFC who appear locked in a power struggle as talks of reviving a coalition drag on.
PNCR Leader, Aubrey Norton has maintained that he will not relinquish the presidential candidacy — a position, he said, was unanimously agreed upon at the party’s last congress.
“We are committed to working towards coalition, but we ain’t going to let nobody eyes pass we…We are well aware that we are better together, we are well aware we carry the burden of the work.
“This party will not allow anybody to ride on your backs. We are prepared to engage and be reasonable, but we are not prepared to bend over backwards,” Norton declared over the weekend.
But the AFC, led by attorney Nigel Hughes, wants to seize leadership of the coalition, and has set out its demands that must be met in order for there to be a partnership.
During a high-level meeting of its National Executive Committee, the AFC outlined specific conditions for any potential coalition, including a 60-40 power-sharing split in APNU’s favour, and crucially, that Hughes be named the presidential candidate.
Further complicating matters, the AFC also demanded that the party which nominates the presidential candidate should not also occupy the position of Leader of the List — an unprecedented stipulation seen by many as a direct challenge to Norton’s leadership.
This wrangling has not gone unnoticed by the voting public. On social media, persons have condemned the growing disunity.
“Stop being selfish and think about the people. Norton was elected as the leader of the party, allow him to lead and support him. You can’t bring in much votes anyways,” one user, Shannette Alicia, wrote.
Another, Luanda Layne, criticised the AFC’s demands, calling them “disrespectful and arrogant,” while Andrew Griffith questioned the coalition’s priorities.
“I really thought that the new coalition interest should be seeing the backs of the PPP. Instead, we are seeing a fight as to who is the best person to be presidential candidate. In 2015, the AFC had demands but accepted Moses Nagamootoo as Prime Minister. What is the problem in 2025,” Griffith lamented.
However, others suggested compromise, with some proposing Norton as a second-in-command to Hughes, while many questioned Hughes’ electability.
“Mr. Hughes, with all due respect, does not have the majority backing to be the presidential candidate for any coalition. The AFC has lost most of its support since the 2015 elections. Going alone would be disastrous,” Michael Benjamin wrote.
As coalition talks continue, the conclusion among many is that the opposition is on the verge of complete collapse.