The ignominious defeat of Mark Benschop

Mar 23, 2016 Features / Columnists, Freddie Kissoon

Mr. Benschop’s local government sojourn was doomed before it started. Why Benschop would choose to defy one of the most historical moments in Guyana’s evolution was bizarre and silly. But maybe ego is the answer. Mr. Benschop ran for presidency against the unique, historical attempt to heal racial bitterness when the AFC and PNC (not APNU for all practical purposes) combined to contest the 2015 general elections.
It had to be a huge ego at work, because what other motive did Benschop have for running for president in May 2015? Did he really think he would get votes from those parts of Guyana that wanted the Coalition to win? He didn’t. Benschop’s 2015 presidential bid destroyed his politics.
Interestingly, his Prime Ministerial running mate was an expatriate whom no one knew in Guyana. But no doubt Benschop told her once she is behind his “great” name, they will win. A big ego also destroys the ability to see reality. Three factors explain the hard feelings Coalition supporters continue to harbour against Benschop. These have been exacerbated by the nature of his LGE campaign.
First, people feel that he was using his national standing to split the Coalition’s votes so the PPP could have won. When Coalition supporters, especially in South Georgetown where Benschop lives, saw how close the 2015 election was, they increased their resentment of Benschop. This is a political sore Benschop will have to bear for a time.
Secondly, Guyanese feel he was pompous and narcissistic to think that he could steal votes from the Coalition. If the pomposity charge wasn’t true back then, it certainly showed its unwanted presence again in the just concluded LGE.
The third factor is Benschop’s source of finance. For a man without a private business or a sound-paying job, Benschop certainly has money to burn. This is a suspicion that will follow him.
Guyanese voters think Benschop has an oversized ego and he proved them right in the name of his political party to contest the 2016 LGE. Why would the leader of a party name his entity after himself? Ego blinds one from viewing and accepting reality, and here was a graphic case. Why not Team Guyana or Team Future or Team To Save Guyana or Team Freedom? But Team Benschop? Do they actually have parties around the world that name themselves after their leader? Good and Green for Guyana was a subtle use of Hamilton Green’s name on his party in the 1994 LGE. But there was no subtlety with Benschop.
Added to this was the full length of the name – Team Benschop for Mayor. Modesty should have dictated to Benschop that you seek first to get into the Council, then you can fight for the mayorship in the Council through compromises and concessions. In his presidential bid, the ignominy was extensive. Benschop barely got three hundred votes. This time with the LGE, he didn’t even bring third place in his own constituency.
In the polling station close to where Benschop lives, he didn’t even bring second much less first. Benschop contested Constituency 14 in South Ruimveldt and by billions of miles was far more known than any other candidate in that constituency. Yet he could not even come in at second. If that is not an ignominious defeat then what is?
No doubt his 2015 election involvement played a major role in his rejection, but there was the knowledge of politics by the ordinary member of the public that contributed to Benschop’s untergang. Guyanese people know their politics. They know the PPP and PNC have got unacceptable culprits in their midst, but ethnic loyalty prevents them from dumping these untouchables.
But that doesn’t stop them from showing annoyance at, and mockery of these politicians. PPP supporters do not like Kellawan Lall. PNC supporters were dismissive of Robert Corbin. In the case of Benschop, he had no party umbrella to shield him.
South Georgetowners do not like Benschop as a politician. They think he has an ego, and that he is a politician that cannot hobnob with the ordinary man. Benschop is always in suit and necktie. Such cultural appearances prevent the ordinary folks from getting close. A powerful contrast is Dr. David Hinds, who loses himself in the masses whenever there is an occasion.
My own feeling is that Benschop is not a politician that can engage in Rodneyite groundings. That is not in his personality. Benschop has two more election opportunities – another LGE in 2019 and the general election of 2020. Can he go beyond his class and political limitations? He can if he is willing to learn. But ego destroys everything in its midst.

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The ignominious defeat of Mark Benschop

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