AS Guyana nears the elections on September 1, 2025, the nation faces a crucial moment that will shape its path for the next five years. The differences between the parties and individuals, in some cases, have never been more apparent, offering voters a clear choice between real development and empty promises.

One particular presidential hopeful is on a campaign tour that focuses on alleged grievances rather than real policies. Instead of laying out specific policies to tackle Guyana’s issues, he has been visiting communities, spreading unfounded claims of personal persecution and injustice by the government.

Yet, he fails to provide credible evidence to back these serious claims. His approach shows a troubling trend of misinformation that has faced criticism from several sections of society. His habit of making “reckless” statements without any facts, as President Ali pointed out, reveals a leadership style focused more on stirring trouble and discord than on effective governance.

Most interesting, too, is the major opposition’s ongoing failure to offer a clear policy platform just months before the election. Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has noted that the APNU+AFC  “has no plan, just a list of promises”, with no details on how these pledges would be funded or put into action.

Their campaign materials promise everything from subsidised food and rent to guarantees of household income. This echoes the same empty “Good Life for Everyone” slogan that fell flat during their administration from 2015 to 2020.

In stark contrast, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has consistently shown its commitment to open governance through tangible achievements. Since taking office in August 2020, the PPP/C has fulfilled over 90% of its manifesto commitments, creating over 60,000 jobs and providing house lots to over 50,000 families.

The party’s ambitious infrastructure plans speak volumes about its vision for national growth, including the new Demerara River Bridge and a comprehensive road network of 140 kilometers of four-lane highways and over 400 bridges. The PPP/C’s methodical approach to healthcare improvement is evident in the building of 12 new state-of-the-art hospitals across all regions.

This reflects a level of long-term planning that the opposition has yet to match. The party’s commitment to education is clear through scholarships for 50,000 individuals and the reinstatement of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant.

This shows a focus on developing human capital that goes beyond election cycles. Furthermore, the PPP/C has managed the nation’s oil resources wisely through the Natural Resource Fund, while reversing over 200 taxes and fees from the previous administration.

This indicates responsible economic leadership. The government’s debt-to-GDP ratio remains healthy at 24.3%, even while promoting significant infrastructure development.  This balance requires sound financial discipline and a clear vision. Defections from Norton’s party, including prominent figures like Dr. Richard Van-West Charles and several regional leaders, highlight rising dissatisfaction with the PNCR’s direction.

These exits, along with internal criticism, contradict Norton’s claims of a “strong base” and suggest that the party is declining rather than prepared to lead.  As Guyanese get ready to vote, they should consider a critical question: Do they want a government that builds bridges, both literally and metaphorically, or one that burns them with divisive language?

The choice between the PPP/C’s proven record of development and the opposition’s pattern of unfounded grievances is unmistakable.  The country deserves leaders who offer real solutions instead of conspiracy theories, who bring people together rather than create divisions, and who construct rather than destroy.  On September 1, 2025, Guyanese have the chance to favour ongoing progress over political drama. The stakes are high for the nation’s future and democratic stability.