Whither the AFC

Mar 24, 2026 Editorial, News

(Kaieteur News) – Once touted as a political force capable of bridging divides and holding power to account, the Alliance For Change now appears to have faded into near-total irrelevance. Its silence is deafening.

Following its crushing electoral drubbing, the AFC has not only lost ground it has virtually disappeared from the national conversation. There is no clear leadership voice, no sustained public engagement, no visible attempt at rebuilding. For a party that once prided itself on being a third force in Guyanese politics, this retreat is both startling and deeply disappointing.

The resignation of Nigel Hughes as leader only deepened the uncertainty. Leadership transitions, if handled properly, can signal renewal and fresh direction. In the AFC’s case, however, Hughes’ stepping down has instead reinforced the perception of a party in disarray uncertain of its path, unsure of its purpose, and struggling to define its future.

But the problems run deeper than leadership. The AFC’s electoral collapse was not symbolic it was sweeping. The party suffered a total wipeout from Parliament, losing any formal voice in the National Assembly. Even more telling was its absence from the Regional Democratic Councils, where it once held presence and influence. That kind of rejection cannot be brushed aside as a temporary setback. It is a clear message from the electorate.

And yet, there has been little indication that the party has truly absorbed that message. Where is the introspection? Where is the honest accounting of what went wrong? The AFC rose to prominence on a platform of accountability, transparency, and national unity. It positioned itself as an alternative to the entrenched political divisions that have long defined Guyana. For a time, it succeeded. It held the balance of power. It influenced national direction. It mattered. But somewhere along the way, that promise was lost.

Its time in government left lingering questions about whether it compromised too much, whether it abandoned its principles, and whether it became too comfortable in the very system it once sought to challenge. Voters, it seems, reached their own conclusions. Now, in opposition or what should be opposition the AFC has failed to mount any meaningful response. It has not reconnected with disillusioned supporters. It has not articulated a compelling vision for the future. It has not even made itself visible.

In politics, absence is dangerous. A party that is not seen is quickly forgotten. A party that is not heard loses relevance. And a party that does not fight for its place in the national discourse risks political extinction. The country is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by unprecedented oil wealth and the complex challenges that come with it. At such a time, the need for strong, credible voices especially outside of government is greater than ever. Democracy depends on scrutiny, debate, and alternative perspectives.

The AFC once helped to provide that balance. This is not merely a critique of one party. It is a concern for the health of the broader political landscape. When a party collapses into silence, it weakens the diversity of ideas and reduces the space for meaningful accountability. The AFC must decide whether it intends to remain a part of Guyana’s future or fade into its past. Rebuilding will not be easy. It will require more than statements and sporadic appearances. It will demand honest reflection, internal reform, and a willingness to reconnect with the people, not just during election cycles, but consistently and credibly. It will also require leadership, not just in title, but in action. Who will step forward? Who will chart a new course? Who will restore confidence in a party that once inspired hope? These are questions the AFC must answer and soon. The political space it once occupied is not waiting. Voters are not waiting. The country is not waiting. If the Alliance For Change does not re-emerge with clarity, purpose, and conviction, it risks becoming exactly what many already suspect it has become: A party that no longer exists where it matters most in the hearts, minds, and trust of the Guyanese people.

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AFC, Editorial, Guyanese politics, Parliament, Whither

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