Latest update February 18th, 2025 1:40 PM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Lack of internal democracy in PPP

Jul 28, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

At his last Thursday’s weekly ‘press conference’, Vice President Jagdeo was asked, in light of the Reuters report that describes the strong link between Irfaan Ali and the controversial Mohameds, about the prospect of incumbent Irfaan Ali as the PPP’s Presidential candidate in 2025. The VP said emphatically that Irfaan will be the Presidential candidate. The chief did not say he will recommend or propose Irfaan as the nominee. He said Irfaan “will be the PPP candidate”.

In a democratic party, a candidate for office is selected by members, but in Guyana, the members have no right to select a nominee.  In the PPP’s case, the candidate is chosen by the Central Committee of 35 members democratic centralism prevails in which one man determines the candidacy. As in the Soviet Union and successor Russia Federation, the instruction of the boss or chief determines who will be the nominee. Perhaps that is why Jagdeo gave the assurance that Irfaan will be the nominee.

It will be recalled that for the 2020 elections, the Chief instructed members how to vote. A dozen of those who were on Anil Nandlall’s corner switched over to Irfaan, denying the brilliant legal doyen the nomination. It does not appear that democracy will prevail in the selection of the PPP 2025 nominee. It will be interesting to know the thinking of senior party stalwarts like Nandlall, Frank Anthony, Dharamkumar Seeraj, Vindya Persaud, and others on Jagdeo speaking for them on who will be the 2025 nominee.

Like the PPP, the PNC also has a central committee (executive body) selecting the Presidential nominee. And the PNC’s central committee is also chosen by delegates. Isn’t it time that both parties empower their members to vote (one person, one vote) to select the Presidential nominee among various potential candidates.

Yours truly,

Hemwatie Churaman

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 14th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

National Table Tennis duo Shemar Britton, Chelsea Edghill to represent Guyana at prestigious Panam Table Tennis Cup

National Table Tennis duo Shemar Britton, Chelsea Edghill to...

Feb 18, 2025

Kaieteur Sports- National women’s Table Tennis champion Chelsea Edghill OLY and Guyana’s ace star table tennis player Shemar Britton are set to represent Guyana at the Prestigious 2025 Pan...
Read More
Athaleyha Hinckson Joins LSU

Athaleyha Hinckson Joins LSU

Feb 18, 2025

Paul Nixon Appointed Head Coach of Antigua and Barbuda Falcons for 2025 CPL Season

Paul Nixon Appointed Head Coach of Antigua and...

Feb 18, 2025

Aubrey Hutson open to fourth term as AAG President

Aubrey Hutson open to fourth term as AAG

Feb 18, 2025

Guyana U17s close out unbeaten group stage campaign in historic Concacaf qualifiers run

Guyana U17s close out unbeaten group stage...

Feb 18, 2025

Mashramani Basketball tournament ongoing in Berbice

Mashramani Basketball tournament ongoing in...

Feb 18, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]