A RED wave swept through the Kitty Market Square on Sunday as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) launched its campaign for re-election under the banner, “Foward Together for a Better Guyana”.

The crowd, which averaged over 30,000, was a strong political message at a time when a party in blue, which is yet to face the media or present a plan for development, has been using social media to give the impression that it enjoys widespread support.

Vice-President of Guyana and PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo shared an important reminder relevant to today’s digital world: “The Internet doesn’t vote; people do, and we have the numbers here,” he said.

This statement, while simple, gets to the core of today’s political conversations in Guyana, where social media has become a battlefield for influence and perception.

The rise of Online political activity has created a risky illusion, where likes, shares, and comments are mistaken for real electoral support.

Dr. Jagdeo’s focus on actual turnout instead of Online approval shows a deep understanding of Guyana’s political scene, where true grassroots mobilisation often beats digital popularity.

Since regaining power in 2020, the PPP/C has effectively grasped ground-level politics. The party has delivered on over 90% of its Manifesto promises by improving everyday life for citizens.

With more than 60,000 jobs created, over 50,000 house lots distributed, and significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, including 12 new hospitals, the PPP/C has built a solid record of real achievements that resonate beyond social media buzz.

These successes create a powerful story that goes beyond Online chatter, and speaks directly to voters’ real experiences.

The strength of the PPP/C’s support base lies in how it has grown naturally. The party has attracted former opposition figures, including notable individuals like Geeta Chandan-Edmond, James Bond, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles, and Region Four officials Daniel Seeram and Samuel Sandy, who have openly backed President Irfaan Ali’s leadership.

As Attorney-General Anil Nandlall noted, this loss of support for the opposition marks a key change in Guyana’s political landscape that also cannot be countered by social media tricks.

The division among opposition forces only strengthens the PPP/C’s advantages.

This electoral math, along with the party’s proven governance during a time of strong economic growth from oil revenues, offers a strong argument for continuity that appeals to practical voters.

Yet, the PPP/C’s greatest strength is its ability to stay connected with communities across Guyana’s diverse ethnic and geographic landscape.

While opposition parties face internal strife and leadership challenges, the PPP/C has kept up a busy schedule of community outreach, infrastructure projects, and direct voter contact, fostering lasting political relationships.

This strategy acknowledges that achieving sustainable political success requires more than a few viral moments; it needs ongoing efforts to improve people’s lives and earn their trust.

The challenge for any democratic society in the digital age is telling the difference between real political momentum and fake Online enthusiasm.

Guyana’s experience offers a valuable lesson on how traditional political organising remains important, even in an era dominated by social media.

The PPP/C’s focus on voter turnout instead of Online engagement shows a mature understanding that elections are won through hard work in building alliances, delivering results, and gaining trust, not through algorithm-driven popularity or viral posts.

As Guyana heads towards its September 1 elections, the PPP/C’s blend of proven governance and grassroots mobilisation seems well placed to navigate any digital noise from any opposition.

In a political setting where social media can be manipulated easily, and trust must be built through consistent actions, the party that emphasises real achievements while nurturing genuine community ties has a strong edge. The sea of red at the Kitty Market Square was not just a campaign kickoff, it was a powerful reminder that in a true democracy, substance triumphs over show.