THE PNCR/APNU’s campaign launch on July 6 at the Square of the Revolution clearly showed how much the opposition has fallen from power.

What should have been a strong start to their 2025 electoral campaign instead served as a harsh reminder of the party’s reduced appeal and lack of organisation.

The low turnout at a location that used to be the PNCR’s political stronghold speaks volumes about the party’s current state, which is a far cry from the large crowds that used to attend opposition rallies.

This disappointing turnout is even more striking when compared to the PPP/C’s recent fundraising achievements, where thousands happily paid to attend events.

While the opposition tries to attract supporters to a free campaign launch, the governing party drew over 8,000 attendees to a fundraising dinner at Leonora and more than 10,000 to the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The fact that people are willingly spending their money to support the PPP/C, while the PNCR/APNU cannot even draw a crowd for a free event, shows a serious gap between the opposition and the voters.

Even more worrying than the low attendance was leader Aubrey Norton presenting plans without an official manifesto.

This reflects a disturbing trend of the PNCR making many promises but not providing clear details. Norton repeated common themes about reducing poverty, promoting economic growth, and advancing social justice—topics the party has discussed at weekly press conferences without real policy frameworks to back them up.

The lack of an official manifesto at such a crucial moment highlights the poor planning and preparation that has marked Norton’s leadership.

While the PPP/C has been carefully revealing key parts of its detailed 2025 manifesto, including specific strategies for better jobs and addressing domestic violence, the PNCR remains lost in a policy void, giving voters nothing but hopeful statements.

In fact, there were conflicting policy positions among party members, which only exposed more internal disagreements.

Sunday’s campaign launch solidified what many have suspected: the PNCR/APNU is a political movement in serious decline.

The low turnout, lack of an official manifesto, mixed messages and ongoing chaos all indicate a party that has lost its direction and its link to the Guyanese people. Meanwhile, the PPP/C continues to show a clear plan, a proven track record and organisational skill that attract both everyday citizens and experienced politicians looking for effective leadership.

The shift in Guyanese politics is clear, more and more persons are moving toward a party that can deliver real results, toward leaders who offer consistent policies instead of conflicting promises, and toward a political organisation that can fill venues rather than struggle to keep its own members united.

Sunday’s events simply confirmed what fundraising totals, patterns of defections and governance outcomes have long suggested: the people of Guyana are choosing competence over chaos, solid plans over empty ideas and proven performance over empty promises.