‘Norton should step down’ – Winston Jordan

Sep 06, 2025 News

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…says party was brought to its lowest with Norton at the helm

Kaieteur News – Former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan has suggested that the Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and presidential candidate for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton step down.

Jordan’s comment comes on the heels of the 2025 General and Regional Elections results which show APNU was defeated, particularly in its two strongholds: Districts Four and 10.  The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) earlier this week published Statements of Poll (SOPs) for all ten districts, which shows that the incumbent Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is set to secure a second term. The data also revealed that 315,140 of the 757,690 eligible electors did not participate in this year’s election.

APNU has requested a recount of certain districts, and this is currently ongoing at GECOM headquarters in Georgetown. Norton has argued that it is highly “implausible” his party would suffer such drastic losses in Regions Four and 10.

During an appearance on KAMS TV’s Guyana Morning Time on Friday, Jordan commended Norton’s efforts but said he must take responsibility for the outcome.

“Aubrey, you did the hard work… It was needed. The under pushing was needed…you did the hard work, you took a lot of flock for it and signs of rebirth were seen in the rallies and so on [but] people didn’t turn up for the elections, again I said this was a setback,” Jordan said.

“However, we look at it, the party has been brought to its lowest ebb and you were at the helm when the party was brought to its lowest ebb,” Jordan.

He said that when the dust is settled and the swearing in is completed; Norton should make way for new talent to come forward and lead the party. He said in the interest of this pursuit, Norton should decide off his own not to return to parliament. Jordan suggested APNU’s parliamentary leadership be entrusted to Nima Flue-Bess or Vinceroy Jordan.

“Aubrey, you can remain leader of the list, until Congress next year, where you must commit not to run for leadership. Let this be early in your introspection over the next few days, that you will not be running for leadership again, come next year. So that other talent can begin to formalize their running and so on into the Congress,” he said.

Jordan added that Norton should transition into an elder role, giving advice without overshadowing new leadership. “Don’t go back into parliament and don’t contest next year’s leadership, let this thing flow through and be part of the molding and so on…” Jordan stated.

However, PNCR’s General Secretary (GS) Sherwin Benjamin dismissed Jordan’s call, describing it as premature and unwarranted at this stage.

“The election process is still ongoing, and it is important to allow it to run its course without undue interference. Making such statements before the conclusion of the electoral process is not only irresponsible but reckless,” Benjamin said.

He explained that even if the party does not secure the desired outcomes in these elections, it should not be viewed as an indictment of the incumbent leader, given the various factors that influence electoral results.

The GS outlined that leadership stability and continuity are vital for the party’s progress, and premature calls for resignation only serve to deepen internal divisions and fuel unnecessary emotions among members.

Benjamin added, “While it is true that the party is evolving and undergoing a process of reshaping, comments like those from Mr. Jordan are absolutely counterproductive, of no intrinsic value and threaten to exacerbate internal rifts. Such ludicrous remarks must be strongly condemned, as they do not contribute to any immediate constructive dialogue or the stability required to strengthen the party moving forward.”

Meanwhile, the PNCR Youth Arm on Friday issued a statement calling for renewal of the party’s leadership. They said the 2025 results make it clear that the coalition must confront reality and act boldly, or risk losing future elections and the confidence of the people.

“Leadership must step aside and allow for the process of realignment. Renewal at the top is not a rejection of our history, it is the only path to rebuild trust, unite our base and restore the coalition’s relevance. The PNCR, and by extension APNU, must regroup, reset and rise again with vision, courage and purpose,” the PNCR youths stated.

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• APNU, Aubrey Norton, Sherwin Benjamin, step down, Winston Jordan

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