Ramotar-Jagdeo Poll Mischief?

Mar 28, 2014 Letters

Dear Editor,
This is in reference to a letter from Harry Gill (KN Mar 27) and the op ed commentary of Adam Harris (Mar 23) relating to the publication of “a poll’s findings” supposedly emanating from the political opposition to determine support for the political parties and the chances of President Donald Ramotar’s re-election. It was noted that the opposition wanted to know how solid was Ramotar’s support in a snap election.
Like Harry and Adam, I have limited information about the poll. But one cannot dismiss the claim that the poll’s findings were leaked to the media to create some kind of ruckus or mischief (in fighting between Jagdeo and Ramotar perhaps), as Harry charged, within the PPP. Adam suggested more sinister objective.
I wish to note that t is not unusual for a poll to do match up between potential candidates. Such match ups are routine in developed societies. Pollsters regularly carried match ups between potential Democratic candidates for the nominantion. Ditto potential Republican candidates for the republican nomination.
As both Harry and Adam penned, Bharrat Jagdeo is barred by the Constitution of Guyana from running for a third consecutive term; that much is clear. What it is not clear, although both argue otherwise, is if he can run for the Presidency again after taking a break. That is a matter for the court to clarify should he decide to seek the Presidency again. Like Adam and Harry penned, I do not think Jagdeo is interested in another term. That much he stated to reporters in Guyana and in New York . Adam also penned that Jagdeo told him in Trinidad that he is not interested in a third term. I have no reason to dispute the former President although there are many in Guyana who feel Jagdeo should run again for the Presidency. I think his role should be that of a statesman and seek to heal differences within the party as well as to encourage reconciliation among those who felt they were mis-treated.
But the leaked poll to the media raises the question of the purpose behind findings showing Jagdeo is more popular thank Ramotar. If it was designed to create friction within the PPP or discredit Ramotar, it will not work because as General Secretary Rohee made clear Jagdeo will not run for another term and the party is not entertaining such a discussion. Also, last year at a meeting in NY, Jagdeo had pledged his support to Ramotar. When I was in Guyana last month, the talk among party stalwarts is the party will go back with Ramotar at the top of the ticket should early elections be called. However, among the general supporters of the party, there is a feeling that the party needs a transformation to younger blood. Among names mentioned were Priya Manickchand, Anil Nandlall, Irfaan Ali, Ashnie Singh, Frank Anthony, etc. Will any of the parties be willing to give a woman or a younger person a chance.
The poll pointed out, as the NACTA poll suggested two weeks earlier, Ramatar’s support is stronger than in 2011. As Adam noted, Ramotar can further buttress his support with time especially given all the mistakes the opposition is making regarding the AML bill, etc.
Vishnu Bisram

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