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Georgetown, Guyana — Alliance for Change (AFC) Leader Nigel Hughes has clarified that recent meetings with the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) have focused solely on implementing biometric systems for voter identification, not on forming a coalition. Hughes made these remarks during an appearance on “The Countdown” with hosts Andrew Weekes and Onix Duncan, amid speculation about potential coalition talks with PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton.
Addressing the nature of the meetings, Hughes confirmed that he, Norton, and WPA representatives had convened to discuss the adoption of biometric systems in the lead-up to the 2025 elections. “We had a meeting with the opposition commissioners on the biometrics issue,” he stated, explaining that the goal was to establish a strategy for securing the necessary biometric systems for what he described as “a free, fair, and credible election.”
When asked about coalition discussions, Hughes dispelled any notion that such talks were underway, reiterating that the sole focus of these meetings has been the technical aspects of implementing biometrics. “At the moment, that’s not an immediate agenda,” Hughes asserted. He explained that the conversations were limited to election technology, especially following a recent presentation by the Chief Elections Officer to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). “We discussed and agreed that in so far as the issue of biometrics is concerned, we should meet,” Hughes added.
This clarification comes after reports emerged suggesting that the AFC and PNCR were actively discussing coalition possibilities. Hughes said he had “not seen the PNCR’s release” on this matter, but reiterated that coalition considerations were not part of the ongoing talks.
The next meeting between the parties is scheduled for Tuesday, where Hughes and other opposition representatives are expected to further discuss GECOM’s plans regarding biometrics. The AFC leader emphasized that his party’s immediate priority is ensuring that biometric identification is adopted to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Hughes stated that ensuring the credibility of the 2025 elections is a shared objective across the opposition, underscoring the critical importance of biometrics in achieving that goal.
