Lack of unity by the AFC will be their downfall

Sep 13, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
The PPP recently stated that “a vote for the AFC is a vote for the PNCR”, is highly understandable due to their race-based politics. One does not have to look too far to find relevant examples.
Herein lies the problem with the AFC. There are many troubling “languages” expressed by Kemraj Ramjattan during his speeches. For example Mr. Ramjattan’s comment that he is “unwilling to work with the joint opposition parties (JOPP) before the elections, but would be inclined to consider a coalition after the results are known”. What’s between the lines with that comment?
It is not difficult to envision the AFC forming a coalition with the PPP – were they (PPP) to receive less than 50 percent of the votes.
I am also troubled by Ramjattan’s comments that, “if the AFC were to align themselves with the PNCR, then many of the Indo Guyanese would return to the PPP”. Well, if that’s the case, why shouldn’t the Afro Guyanese return to the PNCR because of non-alliance? Seems to me, such language is no different than the PPP fear tactics. Leaders have to be ideological and pragmatic – able to express an idea should be a given.
Judging from Freddie Kissoon’s recent article, motivating the “76,000 Afro Guyanese” who did not vote at the last elections, would obviate those returning to the PPP.
Observing the unhappiness directed towards the current leadership in Guyana, one can expect a loss of votes for the PPP during the next elections. Judging from private professional opinions, the PPP would only lose approximately seven percent of their support. Most of that support would go to the AFC.
Additionally, the PNCR would lose three percent. With that said, it stands that at maximum, the AFC would garner 18 percent of the total electoral votes. Such a low number would still leave the AFC as a third party. Unless the AFC are looking ahead to the 2016 elections, the options are limited.
Judging from the final numbers of the 2006 elections, the PPP would go from 54.6% to approximately 47%. The PNCR would go from 34% to 31%. Herein lies the problem, neither of the main parties (PPP, PNCR) have attained a 51percent majority.
Mr. Ramjattan has expressed language about a “no confidence” vote. Well, explain to me, how is it possible a third party with only an 18 percent voter turnout can enact a no confidence vote, without the support of the remaining JOPP? Again, a leader has to be a thinker!
It is not difficult to envision the AFC forming a coalition with the PPP, were they (PPP) to receive less than 50 percent of the votes.
The elephant in the room is the PNCR. Judging from the 2006 election, a huge amount of their supporters did not go to the polls. The disdain for the current administration is huge, and all indications are, their (PNCR) supporters will be out in huge numbers. Such a large turnout will push their percentage well over 40 percent.
If the leadership of the AFC were thinking clearly from the beginning, this would be pellucid. The Guyanese constituents are sensitized to these facts and will not support a “go it” alone third party. Beyond rose coloured promises, most Guyanese will not support the AFC as a stand alone.
AFC have a choice to make – go alone and allow the PPP to remain in power or join with the JOPP and defeat the regime. Anything else will show the Guyanese populace, that “all along” the PPP half of the AFC are still supporting the PPP. Simply put, a lack of unity by the AFC will be their downfall.
Critical thinkers will agree, Ramjattan would have to play second banana in the formation of a JOPP, and that is his biggest fear.
Lloyd Phillips

Latest News

Lack of unity by the AFC will be their downfall

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | January, 21st, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Mainstay Goldstar FC secures promotion to Elite League Season 7

Matthews’ all-round brilliance powers Windies...

Slingerz FC wants Shabazz

Stepton Barton, ‘Superman’ Lewis,...

Powerlifting Federation commends Government for...

Statistician Charwayne Walker expresses...

Features/Columnists

How do you analyse a Budget?

OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus

PPP Govt giving itself rich budget treats

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

Lack of unity by the AFC will be their downfall

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | January, 21st, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]