Latest update October 11th, 2026 10:40 AM
‘PNCR will emerge stronger, better’
…Norton says as party soaks in heavy defeat
Leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) party and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton.
Kaieteur News – Leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Aubrey Norton on Saturday held firm to the view that the 2025 general and regional elections were far from free or fair.
APNU suffered a massive defeat in traditional party strongholds of Regions Four and 10.
Notwithstanding, Norton assured that the party will re-emerge better and stronger. In a statement, Norton who served as Leader of the Opposition said, “In spite of the manifest deficiencies in the electoral system, including a bloated voters’ list and the lack of biometrics, our Party decided to participate in the Elections held on the 1st September, 2025. The deficiencies to which I refer undermine any basis for the creation of a framework for free, fair and transparent elections. The number of irregularities which have been discovered and documented gives legitimacy to the position that the elections were NOT free and fair. These elections did not reflect the will of the people of Guyana.”
He said, had the coalition won the elections its intention was to change the country’s electoral system and other procedures to ensure there is always free and fair elections.
Norton said that the inadequacies and imperfections of the existing electoral system are well known, locally, regionally and internationally. He pointed to the reports of the international observer groups which referenced areas that need to be worked on and recommendations made.
He pointed specifically to the European Union’s (EU) Election Observation Mission (EOM) preliminary report. He said the EU EOM was scathing in its report of the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections, saying that though Election Day was peaceful, the playing field was not even.
“EU Chief Observer Robert Biedron accused the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) of blurring the line between state and party using state resources and unchecked financing to give itself a massive head start,” he mentioned.
Norton noted however, that by contesting the election, his party has retained occupancy of political space that provides the opportunity to contest against “the dictatorial tendencies of the PPP/C and advance the cause of social and economic justice, free and fair elections and a democratic culture in Guyana.”
Meanwhile, Norton said his party has found itself in “Virgin territory” of not being the governing party nor the main opposition party. “APNU, of which the PNC is a major party, has a wealth of experience in weathering the political storm. We will come through this and we will be stronger and better. We will continue the journey towards the goal of making this society a prosperous and equal one in which all of our citizens can enjoy all of the rights and benefits of the national resources of the nation. I give you the assurance that APNU will never abandon or desert you, however difficult the circumstances,” he expressed.
According to Norton, the PNCR was also knocked down more than six decades ago, and yet it picked itself up.
“After the PNC’s major loss in 1961, the Leader of the Party, L.F.S. Burnham, at a mass rally at Bourda Green, asked his supporters, “Will you not watch with me for one hour?” Similarly, I appeal to all APNU supporters to watch with us at this critical hour. We are like the oak tree. We will re-emerge better and stronger,” he said in his statement.
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