Guyana: Opposition Parties Open to Coalition Talks, Emphasizing Action Over Speeches

Talk of a possible opposition coalition in Guyana is gaining renewed attention, with senior figures from the Alliance for Change (AFC), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and the Working People’s Alliance (WIN) acknowledging the need for greater cooperation. This comes after APNU Parliamentary Lead Dr. Terrence Campbell called for a united front involving opposition parties, trade unions, civil society, and religious groups to challenge the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

AFC Leader David Patterson stated that his party is open to collaboration, especially as the country prepares for Local Government Elections. However, he expressed concerns regarding the state of the Guyana Elections Commission and whether the conditions are suitable for well-managed elections. Patterson emphasized that while the AFC would like to contest the Local Government Elections, they must first examine the circumstances surrounding those elections.

Patterson noted that the 2025 elections indicated a desire among many Guyanese for a collective effort against the PPP/C. He mentioned that the AFC would consider contesting under an umbrella arrangement if the conditions and partners are appropriate, but no final decision has been made regarding this format.

WIN General Secretary Odessa Primus expressed caution, highlighting the difference between coalition politics and collaboration on specific national issues. She stated that while there may not be a need for a formal coalition at this stage, there is a clear necessity for the opposition to function more effectively as a joint entity. Primus pointed out that public calls for unity must be matched by direct engagement, criticizing the lack of follow-up after Campbell’s call for unity.

Primus noted that WIN has invited other opposition forces to events, but only Amanza Walton-Desir and her team have participated. She emphasized that mere statements about unity are insufficient without actual steps taken to facilitate collaboration.

APNU General Secretary Sherwin Benjamin reiterated that APNU is open to coalition politics, describing it as an approach whose time has come. He mentioned that APNU has historically engaged in coalition politics and would need to consult internally before deciding on the best format or composition for collaboration.

The comments from Patterson, Primus, and Benjamin indicate that while there is a public openness to cooperation among opposition parties, the path to a formal coalition remains uncertain. The AFC is considering partnerships based on election conditions, APNU is signaling support for coalition politics, and WIN insists that public calls for unity must be followed by real communication and action.

The central question remains whether opposition parties can transition from statements of interest to structured discussions, particularly as Local Government Elections approach and political groups strategize on how to effectively challenge the PPP/C.

Source: hgptv.com

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