Dear Editor,

SOME 59 years after independence and 52 years after the 1957 election in which the population began voting by racial identity and political affiliation, the country remains racially divided as ever. Racial voting is deeply institutionalised and remains in the psyche of the population. The PPP enjoys an advantage for victory and remains the only organised party that has cross racial appeal.

Travelling around the country, engaging many at random, people of all races and all age groups, educational backgrounds, and diverse classes, the conclusion is that the population remains largely stuck in racial voting. The population is imprisoned in racial identity and continues to support a political party that they see as being affiliated with their race.

However, there is cross-racial support for PPP from among the traditional PNC base. There is no similar cross-racial turnover from the traditional PPP base to the PNC or APNU. The AFC’s support is largely African and Mixed with some cross-racial appeal among Indians and Amerindians. All other small or minor parties have limited appeal, struggling for traction.

The opposition is deeply divided, and people are turned off by their internal squabbling and inability to put up a strong force. The people feel the PPP will run away with the elections if things remain the same until Election Day. If the forces are the same as in 2020, the PPP will win a thumping majority, gaining seats.

Yours faithfully,

Vishnu Bisram