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Georgetown, Guyana (Credible Sources) The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) issued a stark warning at their December 9, 2024, press conference, highlighting escalating tensions surrounding the 2025 elections. The party expressed grave concerns about risks to political stability, the potential for ethnic conflict, and what they described as the failure of the government to foster national cohesion.
“The acrimony surrounding the upcoming elections is a dangerous signal,” said Dr. David Hinds, co-leader of the WPA. He emphasized that unresolved disagreements over electoral rules and management could destabilize Guyana’s already fragile political environment. This, Hinds warned, threatens not only national unity but also economic development, as instability could deter investments tied to the country’s burgeoning oil sector.
At the core of the WPA’s criticism was the government’s reluctance to embrace inclusive governance. Hinds argued that the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has exacerbated divisions by sidelining opposition voices and monopolizing key institutions such as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). “We are witnessing the consolidation of one-party management, with no attempt at bipartisanship,” he said, adding that this fosters public distrust in the electoral process.
The WPA also decried civil society’s diminished voice, claiming that governmental “bullying” has suppressed independent advocacy. Additionally, Hinds called out the international community for its passive approach to Guyana’s political tensions, urging global actors to play a more proactive role in mediating between political factions.
The WPA proposed a dialogue between President Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton to address electoral concerns. They stressed the need for a jointly agreed-upon electoral framework, a restructured GECOM, and an enforceable code of conduct for political parties. “This is not merely a political issue; it is a national imperative,” Hinds insisted.
Tacuma Ogunseye, another WPA leader, echoed these sentiments, describing the government’s post-2020 elections approach as a “deliberate perpetuation of crisis.” He criticized the PPP for refusing to engage in reconciliation efforts, claiming this strategy has deepened ethnic and political divides. “The nation is in a worse position approaching 2025 than it was in 2020,” Ogunseye lamented, calling on all political players to pursue constructive solutions.
The WPA tied their criticism to broader concerns about governance, citing the government’s handling of cash grants and oil revenues as evidence of political expediency over socio-economic equity. Dr. Clive Thomas argued that the administration’s $100,000 cash grant amounts to a mere $55 per day per person, which he described as “outrageous.” Thomas called for a socio-economic audit to evaluate the effectiveness of cash transfers in alleviating poverty and addressing high living costs.
On the topic of oil wealth, the WPA advocated for bipartisan engagement in negotiations with ExxonMobil and other stakeholders, emphasizing the need for maximum national benefit. They reiterated their earlier proposal for $1 million per household annual cash transfers, aligning oil revenues with poverty alleviation and improved quality of life for citizens.
As the press conference concluded, the WPA pleaded for national maturity and called for local, regional, and international mediators if political leaders fail to resolve electoral and governance disputes independently. “We are at a crossroads,” Hinds warned. “The 2025 elections must not repeat the acrimony of the past. We owe it to future generations to put Guyana’s development above partisan politics.”
