WITH previous reports of growing confusion in relation to coalition talks between the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), the PNCR on Friday maintained that Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton will be the presidential candidate.

This was disclosed by opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul during the PNCR’s weekly press conference.

When asked about the progress of talks between the two parties, Mahipaul stated that he believes that discussions are in a better place than when they first began some time ago.

He said, “Nothing is agreed to until all is agreed to… so unless we conclude, I can’t go further than to say that nothing is agreed until all is agreed.”

Against this backdrop, Mahipaul disclosed that what he is aware of in
the ongoing talks is that both the PNCR and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) had reposed confidence in Norton as their presidential candidate.

Any changes to this position will be up to Norton

When asked about a timeline for a decision to be made between the two parties, Mahipaul indicated that there are exchanges still happening between the two sides and as such there isn’t any focus necessarily on a direct timeline.

Talks surrounding the two parties entering a coalition again have been riddled with confusion and indecisiveness among members.

PNCR leader, Norton has maintained that he will not relinquish the presidential candidacy while AFC leader, Nigel Hughes wants to seize leadership of the coalition. The smaller party has already set out demands that must be met in order for there to be a partnership.

Norton was quoted as saying that they are committed to working towards a 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.”

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.