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Georgetown, GUYANA (Credible Sources) The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) held its weekly press conference on December 16, 2026, addressing critical national issues, including its recent meeting with the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC), the push for a broader opposition coalition, and the key question of leadership as Guyana prepares for its next elections.
Dr. David Hinds, co-leader of the WPA, described the recent meeting with the PNC as the beginning of efforts to form a “grand coalition of opposition parties” to challenge the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government. Speaking on the importance of coalition politics, Hinds emphasized, “One-party politics really is one race politics, one ethnicity politics, one ideology politics. And in a diverse society like ours, it is safer and more effective to move towards coalition politics.”
Hinds acknowledged widespread optimism among opposition supporters regarding the coalition efforts but cautioned that it would take more than the WPA and PNC to achieve the goal. He stressed the need to engage other political forces, including the Alliance for Change (AFC), stating, “The two parties acting on their own cannot guarantee a wide-based coalition.”
Addressing questions about rejoining the APNU, the coalition framework through which the WPA previously partnered with the PNC, Hinds voiced reservations rooted in past experiences. He cited a lack of consultation on critical decisions as a significant concern. For instance, he pointed to the halting of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, saying, “Within the APNU, nobody consulted us as the most interested party.”
Hinds underscored that the WPA would only reconsider rejoining the APNU if convinced that its identity would be preserved and decision-making processes would be inclusive. “Before considering re-entering APNU, the WPA must be convinced that the coalition will operate differently,” he said.
The issue of leadership for a prospective coalition also drew attention. While the WPA has its own presidential candidate, Hinds clarified that the party was not proposing this candidate for coalition leadership. He agreed with the PNC’s position that clear criteria are essential for selecting a leader. Hinds also noted that the WPA had yet to discuss the possibility of an outsider leading the coalition but was open to such a proposal if it arose.
Hinds emphasized that any coalition ticket must reflect Guyana’s multi-ethnic and gender-diverse society. “Given the multi-ethnic nature of our society, the top of the ticket should reflect the multi-ethnic nature of the society,” he stated. He added that gender representation should also be considered in crafting the coalition’s leadership.
Tacuma Ogunseye, another WPA official, highlighted growing optimism among opposition supporters for a united front. He called on all opposition parties to rise to the moment, stating, “There seems to be a lot of optimism on the ground among opposition supporters…they’re depending heavily on the two leaderships of the parties.”
The WPA says it is committed to coalition politics as a means to foster national consensus. Hinds described coalition-building as “the politics of the future,” emphasizing its potential to unite a diverse society and ensure governance through collective principles and shared decision-making.
