The Alliance For Change (AFC) has issued a statement following its first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of 2025, held over the weekend. The party reaffirmed its commitment to upholding democratic principles, transparency, and accountability in Guyana, with a specific focus on the upcoming General and Regional elections, which are constitutionally due later this year.
In the statement, the AFC emphasized its determination to ensure that the upcoming elections are free, fair, and reflective of the will of the Guyanese people. The party is particularly focused on scrutinizing the current systems in place to guarantee a credible electoral process.
A significant part of the meeting included a detailed review of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and a discussion on upcoming engagements with the organization. The AFC plans to meet with GECOM later this week to submit its recommendations for enhancing the electoral framework.
The statement also highlighted that the meeting included presentations from Party Leader Nigel Hughes and Chairman David Patterson, as well as reports from regional representatives who provided insights into political issues within their areas.
One of the major agenda items was a preliminary discussion on potential coalitions and alliances ahead of the 2025 elections. Chaired by AFC co-founder Khemraj Ramjattan, the meeting resulted in two motions being passed. These motions mandate the party’s executives to continue coalition talks with other political groups, establish campaign committees, and begin considering candidates for the National Assembly and Regional Democratic Councils.
Of particular note was the unanimous approval for Party Leader, Nigel Hughes, to be designated as the AFC’s “Presidential Candidate” for the 2025 elections. This decision, which is subject to formal confirmation by a National Conference to be held prior to the elections, marks the AFC’s official entry into campaign mode.
The NEC meeting was held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Centre for Change and was conducted in a hybrid format—allowing for in-person participation from executive members in nearby regions, while members from further regions and those in the diaspora engaged virtually.
In its statement, the AFC emphasised that as the country prepares for the elections, the party is committed to ensuring a transparent, inclusive, and democratic electoral process that reflects the true voice of the people of Guyana.