As Guyana moves toward its 2025 general elections, the political landscape is dominated by one undeniable reality: the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has grown in both strength and confidence, while the opposition, arguably, remains fractured and largely ineffective. In this climate, a key question looms large: is it time for the opposition parties to consider a consensus presidential candidate — one capable of uniting the fractured opposition and presenting a serious challenge to the PPP’s dominance?
This issue has been sharply highlighted following recent statements by Lincoln Lewis, General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), who used a December 2024 press conference to criticise the opposition for its lack of action in holding the government accountable. While the GTUC’s press conference addressed various issues affecting Guyana’s citizens — such as rising racial tensions, poverty, and governance problems — Lewis’s remarks about the opposition’s failure to effectively confront the PPP regime quickly took centre stage in both the media and public discourse.
The media focus on this issue is not surprising. For months, there has been growing disillusionment with the opposition’s apparent inability to challenge the PPP government, which, despite its narrow one-seat majority, governs as though it holds a resounding mandate. The fact that the opposition has struggled to make meaningful inroads into the PPP’s power base has only deepened this frustration. The question is no longer merely about opposition parties criticising the government; it is about whether the opposition, as it currently stands, can even offer a credible alternative.
At the heart of this crisis – some commentators say – is Aubrey Norton, leader of the People’s National Congress Islahat (PNCR) and, by extension, the Leader of the Opposition. Norton has – say some observers – become a polarising figure. His leadership of the PNCR has faced widespread criticism from both within and outside his party. Some observers argue that his style of leadership is aloof, disconnected from the everyday concerns of ordinary citizens, and ultimately ineffective in galvanising the opposition. There is also the accusation that his tenure has led to alienation within his party, with key members and coalition partners expressing frustration with his inability to unite the opposition.
Despite these criticisms, Norton remains entrenched in his position as Leader of the Opposition, a role that comes with a hefty salary, perks, and significant influence. However, this role has become a double-edged sword. On the one hand, Norton continues to hold considerable sway within the PNCR, but on the other hand, many believe that his leadership could be a hindrance to the opposition’s chances in the 2025 elections. His leadership, they argue, has failed to inspire a coherent and compelling message that resonates with the electorate. Some political analysts have gone so far as to suggest that, under Norton’s leadership, the opposition is destined to lose not just the presidency but also numerous parliamentary seats that it currently holds, further strengthening the PPP’s position.
This growing sense of frustration has given rise to an emerging conversation about the possibility of a consensus candidate for the presidency. Many within the opposition now believe that, if they are to mount any serious challenge to the PPP, they must put aside their personal ambitions and unite behind a candidate who has the potential to bridge the political divide and inspire the electorate. This would involve finding a leader who can command the respect of not only the opposition parties but also the broader electorate, particularly in a country where multi-ethnic and multi-party cooperation is key to electoral success.
In light of this, the prospect of a consensus candidate is gaining traction. Several names have been floated as potential contenders, including David Granger, Carl Greenidge, Roysdale Forde, and Nigel Hughes. These individuals are seen as more dynamic and capable of uniting the opposition’s diverse factions. Greenidge, a former finance minister, has the experience and political gravitas that could appeal to both the business community and the working-class voters. Forde, a respected, accomplished lawyer, has built a reputation as a pragmatic, brilliant and principled leader, while Hughes, a respected, articulate and popular attorney, is seen as someone who can bridge the gap between the opposition and other key stakeholders, including the business sector and civil society.
However, the road to selecting a consensus candidate is not without challenges. The opposition parties have been divided for years, and any move towards unity will require careful negotiation, compromise, and the willingness to set aside personal ambitions for the greater good. Moreover, the personal stakes are high for leaders like Norton, who may be reluctant to step aside and risk losing the perks and influence that come with his office.
Despite these obstacles, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The opposition must recognise that it cannot afford another term of political disunity if it hopes to mount a credible challenge to the PPP. If the opposition remains fractured, it risks not only losing the presidency but also further entrenching the PPP’s power in the legislature, where the government’s one-seat majority is already proving to be a potent tool for consolidating its authority.
In recent days, the debate over a consensus candidate has gained significant traction, with political commentators and analysts urging the opposition to consider the long-term health of the nation’s democracy. As the 2025 elections approach, the opposition will face increasing pressure to present a united front. Without such unity, the PPP’s already strong grip on power may only tighten, with devastating consequences for the political future of Guyana.
As the discussions surrounding a potential consensus candidate continue to unfold, the names of David Granger, Carl Greenidge, Roysdale Forde, and Nigel Hughes remain prominent. But whether one of these individuals — or someone else entirely — can unite the opposition and challenge the PPP’s dominance remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the time for the opposition to act is now.