Are we witnessing the PNCR demise?

Sep 29, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
I find it difficult to accept the rationale of some PNCR supporters that Robert Corbin, the current party leader, possesses the wherewithal and should remain in his position unless he resigns on his own volition.
This mind-set or naiveté defies logic and calls into question whether the appalling living conditions dictate rendering blind loyalty to a flawed leader. Equally, disturbing is the twisted way of thinking by many Corbinites in North America who are resolute in their defence of a leader that has allowed the once powerful political institution to become an ineffective, disorganized and irrelevant entity.
As a committed PNCR supporter, I think it is ludicrous for any comrade to insinuate that our party, given its decrepit state, is in a position to win the next general election scheduled to take place some time in 2011.
If Corbin is motivated to win by all means necessary then he should also act with a sense of urgency and allow an unimpeded, transparent and democratic leadership process to unfold forthwith. There is no justification for delaying or retarding the chances of a new leader to get on the campaign trail where he/she can become more familiar with the issues, gain the confidence of party rank-and-file and reciprocate genuine affection with the electorate irrespective of race or party affiliation.
It is very unlikely that PNCR with Corbin as party leader/candidate can win the next general election. Therefore, supporters must be cognizant of his liabilities and guard against any attempt to circumvent the leadership process that is seeking to recruit a capable and credible presidential candidate.
It is also important to remind comrades that if Corbin reluctantly endorses a PNCR (alliance/partnership configuration) presidential candidate and holds onto the title of party leader, unity and or progress will not be realized.
Further, if Corbin refuses to step down and instead surreptitiously hinders the candidate’s chances of an election victory, only to reassert himself as party leader, would that be acceptable?
Moreover, why should a PNCR [et al] candidate having stood in for Corbin then having lost the general election be denied the opportunity to lead the party he/she campaigned for? Again, it doesn’t make any sense for Corbin to continue enjoying the privileges of his current position when he concedes that his chances of defeating the PPP are highly unlikely.
I imagine the logicalconclusion ought to be that if Corbin feels he is unable to defeat the PPP because he cannot gain a plurality of votes then there is no need for him to occupy the office/title of party leader. The party’s constitution is clear; it does not have a provision whereby the party leader shall be separate and apart from the presidential candidate.
Anything done to the contrary will be deemed unconstitutional unless, there is an amendment to the prevailing party rules.
A failure to clarify this possible conflict permits concerned party members to question the legitimacy and motives of engaging in a search for a presidential candidate.
Some people are worried that if the process were allowed to be dragged out, given limited time Corbin, could as on a previous occasion orchestrate a scenario whereby his lackeys forced him to reconsider being the PNCR presidential candidate.
There is also the possibility of Corbin agreeing to run as a consensus candidate for Prime Minister, knowing that a weak presidential candidate would lose. In that case he reminds people that an alliance/partnership candidate failed to defeat the PPP and therefore solidifies his position, which he did not relinquish.
Would he then run in 2016? NO! Given the extra four years his previous rivals would have retired and sought refuge in the political wilderness. Having no serious challenger on the horizon Corbin’s handpicked protégé emerges in a leadership position and even meet residency eligibility.
Should party members accept such blatant manipulation? It would be ridiculous if Corbin supporters were to condone such lunacy? Why a party leader with very little credibility by then still insists on remaining at the helm? Obviously, PNCR supporters having experienced five consecutive general elections defeat and with a party teetering on the edge of oblivion may out of necessity clamour for drastic change.
Maybe, given the aforementioned Corbin’s resignation would have been announced prior to the 2012 Biennial Congress.
Tony Jones

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Are we witnessing the PNCR demise?

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