As Guyana heads toward its next general election, the country’s political battleground is being shaped by two sharply contrasting narratives. The ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) seeks a renewed mandate based on economic expansion and national unity, while the APNU+AFC opposition coalition is calling for course correction, citing corruption fears and rising cost-of-living pressures.
The PPP/C has positioned itself as the architect of Guyana’s transformation into the world’s fastest-growing economy, anchored by oil revenues and a string of developmental initiatives. At a rally on the Essequibo Coast, President Irfaan Ali enumerated key achievements since 2020:
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Over 50,000 jobs created
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Wages up 36%
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$4 billion in small business grants
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1,200+ new roads and 11 new healthcare facilities
The party’s campaign slogan, “Let Progress Continue,” is visibly plastered across billboards, with a narrative focused on continuity, stability, and inclusive development. Government figures argue that switching leadership now could jeopardize these gains. Prime Minister Mark Phillips emphasized that the election is about choosing unity over division, asserting that even some opposition voices have endorsed the PPP’s development agenda.
PPP events increasingly highlight cross-cultural support—from Amerindian village leaders applauding grant schemes, to Afro-Guyanese farmers benefiting from agriculture programs—reinforcing the “One Guyana” message. The underlying suggestion: PPP is now a multi-ethnic, national movement, while the opposition remains narrow in appeal.
Opposition Counters with “Time for Change”
In contrast, the APNU+AFC coalition paints the PPP’s message as “propaganda masking inequality.” At a town hall in Georgetown, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton challenged PPP’s statistics with on-the-ground realities:
“GDP growth is high, but food prices are up nearly 40%. The average Guyanese is struggling.”
APNU’s slogan—still being finalized—leans toward “Time for Real Change” or “Secure Our Future.” Their message targets concerns that oil wealth is not reaching ordinary citizens. Norton and other opposition figures promise:
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Stronger oversight of the Natural Resource Fund
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Renegotiation of oil contracts
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More inclusive governance and local autonomy
They also raise concerns around alleged corruption in contract awards, particularly pointing to cost overruns in projects like the Demerara Harbour Bridge, and criticize what they call PPP cronyism and centralized decision-making. APNU also accuses the government of marginalizing Afro-Guyanese, despite PPP’s inclusive rhetoric—pointing to disparities in public service hiring, though such claims remain contested.
Two Visions of Unity and Progress
Both parties claim to promote anti-racism and youth empowerment, yet each accuses the other of hypocrisy. APNU says PPP ignored constitutional reform pledges, especially around winner-takes-all governance, while PPP counters that APNU is too fragmented to offer viable leadership.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall has characterized the opposition’s approach as “walkout politics,” in reference to their recent parliamentary absences, while APNU figures like Sherod Duncan claim PPP is building a “one-party state”.
Oil remains a centerpiece of both narratives:
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PPP touts gas-to-energy projects, power plants, and modern infrastructure as evidence that it is leveraging oil wealth wisely.
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APNU argues these projects lack transparency, and proposes direct, recurring cash transfers and enforced local content mandates.
Voters Caught Between Hope and Fatigue
Interestingly, both sides campaign on a version of optimism:
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PPP: “Re-elect us to build a first-world Guyana.”
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APNU: “Elect us for fairness and real inclusion.”
In swing regions—particularly urban and mixed-ethnicity communities—voters are weighing visible progress (e.g. roads, jobs, grants) against ongoing frustrations (e.g. high prices, corruption claims). One undecided Georgetown small business owner said:
“PPP says everything is great, APNU says everything is terrible. Reality is in between.”
For this demographic, specific policies on taxes, housing, healthcare, and job creation—as well as leadership trust—may tip the scales.
Media Framing and Narrative Wars
Media coverage has also played a role. State outlets heavily amplify PPP’s accomplishments. Meanwhile, independent platforms surface missteps and public discontent, which APNU seizes upon. A recent blackout in Demerara became a flashpoint—APNU called it proof of PPP mismanagement, while the PPP pivoted by spotlighting the gas-to-shore power plant groundbreaking the next day.
With campaigns heating up, expect PPP to warn against APNU’s international reputation (especially post-2020 election tensions), while APNU may stoke fears of constitutional amendments that consolidate PPP’s power if re-elected with a majority.
Still, both sides are toning down overt negativity and leaning into aspirational messaging. President Ali says:
“We’re not running against anyone; we’re running for Guyana.”
While Norton emphasizes:
“We must not just oppose, but propose solutions.”
The Final Verdict: A Narrative of the Nation’s Future
This election, more than any before, will be defined by which narrative resonates most deeply with voters. Will they reward a government touting transformation and delivery, or turn to an opposition promising equity and reform?
As Guyana’s oil era accelerates, the stakes couldn’t be higher. One narrative promises to keep building momentum; the other warns against letting it run unchecked. On election day, the people will decide which version of the future they believe in.
Region: National (Campaign Discourse)
Sources:
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Campaign speeches and transcripts (PPP rallies; APNU town halls)
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Local media reporting: Stabroek News, Kaieteur News, Kaieteur Letters – kaieteurnewsonline.com
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IMF economic outlook – imf.org
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Party platforms and public statements
