‘Buy one get one free’ aptly describes APNU/AFC coalition
ANYTIME you walk in a store and see the sales gimmick of “buy one get one free” on an item, two things come readily to mind.Firstly, that item has a limited shelf-life and the sale is to get rid of it and make way for new merchandise. And second, the item was so cheap in the first place that even by selling two for one the owner is still making a profit.
The same reasoning applies to the APNU/AFC coalition. The AFC has recognised that since the 2011 elections, their shelf-life has been diminishing and that they will not be able to repeat their past performance at the coming elections. So their message to their dwindling supporters is to vote for me and you get APNU free, in order to hide their anticipated meagre returns at the polls. APNU on the other hand has long since passed its shelf-life, hence like expired items they do have a harmful effect if consumed, even though they come free with an AFC vote.
The second comparison is the cheap politics of the AFC like the items on sale. AFC politics is constantly being cheapened by their shifting positions and principles. The AFC’s core founding principle was that it would have a rotating leadership representing the two major races. We had Trotman then Ramjattan and now we have Nagamootoo hijacking things and moving them away from that principle. Another of its bold pronouncements at its formation was that it would never join the PNC or the PPP.
It will not dominate nor would it be dominated by the big parties. Well, like snake oil salesmen they have joined the PNC and have accepted a 40 per cent stake in the coalition and still want to convince the electorate that it will not be dominated by the PNC.
In situations such as this, be careful of the freeness and vote for the trusted brand which remains consistently the PPP.
Since 1992 they have maintained their policy of having the President from the PPP and the Prime Minister from the Civic component. Now that is a principled position and kudos to their enlightened and inspired choice of Mrs. Elisabeth Harper as the new prime ministerial candidate.
REGGIE BHAGWANDIN
