‘Norton bows out’

Sep 11, 2025 News

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…Terrence Campbell to lead APNU in Parliament
…Saiku, Dexter Todd likely newcomers

Kaieteur News – With the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) securing only 12 seats in the 13th Parliament, Kaieteur News has confirmed that party leader Aubrey Norton will not be returning to the National Assembly. Instead, the parliamentary team will likely be led by a new face, businessman, Dr. Terrence Campbell.

Following the APNU’s disappointing showing at the elections there have been calls for Norton to both skip returning to parliament and also resign as leader of the PNCR.

Following the September 1 general and regional elections, APNU recorded a disappointing number of votes, resulting in the loss of its status as the main opposition party, a position now held by Azruddin Mohamed’s We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), which won 16 seats. The ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), led by President Irfaan Ali, was declared winner with 36 seats, securing Ali a second term in office.

Sources within the APNU told Kaieteur News that roughly eight of the 12 APNU parliamentary seats have already been allocated, with several new faces expected to enter the National Assembly. Those who are likely to make up the APNU’s team are: Juretha Fernandes, Ganesh Mahipaul, Linden Deputy Mayor, Dominique Blair, Coretta McDonald, Nima Flue-Bess, Vinceroy Jordan and newcomers: Saiku Andrews, and attorney Dexter Todd.

Historically dominant in key regions such as District Four (Demerara–Mahaica) and Region 10, APNU suffered historic defeats this election cycle. For the first time, PPP/C outperformed APNU in District Four, long considered the Coalition’s stronghold. Region 10, another traditional APNU stronghold, also showed significant vote losses. Overall, the PPP/C secured around 242,000 votes, WIN received over 109,000, and APNU ended with 77,988 votes.

Despite the loss, Norton remains defiant and has questioned the legitimacy of the 2025 elections. Over the weekend, he maintained that the elections were “far from free or fair,” citing a bloated voters’ list, the absence of biometric voter verification, and various irregularities. In a public statement, Norton 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 September 1, 2025… These elections did not reflect the will of the people of Guyana.”

Norton acknowledged that APNU, and by extension the PNCR, the major party in the coalition, now finds itself in unfamiliar political territory, being neither the governing party nor the official opposition. However, he expressed confidence that the party will recover. “APNU, of which the PNC is a major party, has a wealth of experience in weathering political storms. We will come through this stronger and better,” he affirmed.

Drawing historical parallels, Norton referenced the PNC’s significant defeat in 1961 and the resilience shown by then-leader L.F.S. Burnham. Quoting Burnham’s rallying call, “Will you not watch with me for one hour?” Norton appealed to APNU supporters to stand firm in these trying times. “We are like the oak tree. We will re-emerge better and stronger,” he declared. As the party prepares for a reshaped role in parliament under new leadership, APNU’s direction now hinges on fresh faces like Campbell and others, while it seeks to rebuild its base.

Meanwhile, last week Former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan had suggested that Norton should step down. 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.

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• APNU, Attorney Dexter Todd, Aubrey Norton, Ganesh Mahipaul, Juretha Fernandes, Terrence Campbell, Vinceroy Jordan

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