With national elections looming, Guyana’s People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is presenting itself as the country’s only stable and cohesive political force, contrasting its message of unity and delivery against a fragmented opposition struggling with internal discord. As the opposition coalition APNU+AFC continues to reel from breakups and leadership squabbles, the PPP/C is positioning itself as the singular national vehicle capable of steering Guyana through its historic oil-led transformation.
President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo have taken every opportunity in recent weeks to highlight PPP’s internal cohesion, national development agenda, and openness to all Guyanese—while subtly framing APNU as chaotic and consumed by infighting.
PPP: A Party United, Governing with Confidence
At a community meeting in Berbice, President Ali emphasized the “unity of purpose” now seen across sectors in Guyana. While not naming the opposition directly, he drew a contrast with those who “can’t even unite among themselves”—a clear reference to the recent break between APNU and AFC. The Alliance For Change exited the coalition in April over leadership disputes and lack of strategic direction, leaving APNU, led by Aubrey Norton, weakened and internally divided.
Bharrat Jagdeo, speaking at a press conference, declared bluntly:
“The coalition is no more. The PPP stands as the only coherent political force that can deliver.”
He cited recent events—including walkouts in Parliament, disagreements over leadership selection, and public criticism from former coalition allies—as signs that the opposition is distracted and disconnected.
Defections Fuel PPP’s Narrative
In a symbolic blow to APNU, Region 4’s Chairman and Vice Chairman—figures from the opposition’s main electoral stronghold—endorsed President Ali in recent weeks. Even more dramatically, an opposition MP crossed the floor in Parliament to back the government. The PPP has been careful to frame these not as betrayals, but as acts of “national maturity”, inviting “all jerseys – red, green, yellow” to join what it calls “Team Guyana.”
President Ali often reiterates that his cabinet includes voices from beyond traditional PPP circles, demonstrating a big-tent approach. The aim: to project PPP as an evolving, inclusive party, not bound by ethnic or historic divides.
Governance by Comparison
PPP campaigners are already deploying a simple but potent line:
“Look at what we’ve done in three years, compared to their five.”
They point to:
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47% average GDP growth since 2022, the highest globally (IMF)
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Over $600 million in small business grants
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Scholarship expansions, youth training hubs, and infrastructure rollouts
They remind voters of the chaotic 2020 election and hint at the opposition’s alleged attempt to subvert results—a charge APNU continues to deny but which has left a lasting mark.
Internal Stability vs. Opposition Splintering
While President Ali and Jagdeo once faced rumors of tension, they now present a united leadership team. Candidate selection for upcoming elections has begun quietly, with no public rifts or power struggles. Jagdeo says the next slate will feature a blend of experience and youth, a contrast to APNU, where:
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AFC has exited
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Working People’s Alliance (WPA) is openly critical
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Former PNCR loyalists grumble about Norton’s leadership
PPP-aligned media have amplified these divisions, often quoting opposition insiders urging reform, particularly to attract youth.
Winning the Youth and Changing the Ethnic Narrative
The PPP has leaned heavily into youth and inclusivity messaging. They promote:
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20,000+ scholarships, exceeding manifesto targets
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66 tech hubs offering free coding and robotics classes
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Nationwide cash grants to all schoolchildren, regardless of region or background
The party is also amplifying stories like that of Jason October, a young Afro-Guyanese voter from Beterverwagting, who publicly backed PPP, saying:
“We are tired of the race game… we want progress.”
By showcasing Afro-Guyanese support and policies benefiting all communities, the PPP aims to erode the historic divide that once saw Indian-Guyanese back PPP and Afro-Guyanese back PNC.
PPP Claims the Middle Ground
While APNU’s rhetoric focuses on corruption allegations and favoritism, PPP counters with data and delivery. They point to equal distribution of grants, roadworks in opposition areas, and investment across all regions as proof of governing for all.
President Ali often tempers criticism of the opposition by saying:
“We need a strong opposition in a democracy—we just wish they’d be constructive.”
By adopting consensus language and embracing even former opposition policies (like engaging diaspora investors), the PPP is capturing more of the political center. APNU, by contrast, risks seeming stuck in an adversarial mode with little new policy direction.
Opposition’s Counter-Narrative
APNU insists PPP’s unity message is a “veneer”, concealing:
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Corruption in contract awards
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Neglect of Afro-Guyanese communities
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State media bias and misuse of public funds
They argue that PPP is “weaponizing development” to win votes and that real equity remains elusive. But PPP’s response has been to highlight hard numbers and cross-community impact, such as the Small Business Bureau grants and rural infrastructure in historically opposition-leaning regions.
Outlook: A Battle of Perception and Performance
As Guyana nears its next election cycle, the political divide is less about ideology and more about credibility:
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PPP positions itself as stable, inclusive, and forward-looking, with tangible growth to show.
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APNU is struggling to regroup, rebrand, and rebuild public trust amid leadership challenges.
In Jagdeo’s words:
“We have serious work to do building this country. We can’t afford to go backward with an opposition that can’t even hold itself together.”
PPP hopes that the electorate agrees—and that unity in leadership translates to continued control of government.
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PPP/C Press Releases
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Opposition Statements and Interviews
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Guyana Times
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Kaieteur News – kaieteurnewsonline.com
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Caribbean National Weekly – caribbeannationalweekly.com
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IMF World Economic Outlook – imf.org
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Newsroom Guyana – newsroom.gy
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Stabroek News – stabroeknews.com
