I think that most people agree on the following. Of the Registered and likely voters we can pencil this in.
PPP (mostly Indians) 45%
APNU (mostly Blacks) 35%
AFC (mixed race) 7%
That's 87% of base votes accounted for leaving 13% who will vote based on some questions I've listed below - and these questions of themes are subject for questions themselves. Remember the PPP would need 6% and the coalition 9%. This the battleground area.
Questions:
- Will the disaffected PPP voters of past ask themselves if PPP corruption is a worse evil than what they believe (fairly or unfairly) PNC (the dominant part of APNU) corruption? A premise here is that the AFC's whole campaign is anti-corruption, transparency in the business of government including Government's business (like in corporations and Boards like Guysuco) and an economic plan that's not much different from what we've seen historically (sugar and rice industry); while stating that this election is less about economic programs.
- Will the disaffected PPP voters of past ask themselves if their current standards of living is worse than what they believe (fairly or unfairly) the PNC (the dominant part of APNU) would deliver?
- Is the AFC as a junior coalition member significant enough as a partner to be considered for their economic plan with no track record other than their role as opposition (which the PPP will make a killing of for blocking legislation, fairly or unfairly).
- Will blind perceptions such as the PPP is corrupt but there is a more liberal society while the PNC's record is that of dark times prevail?
- Will the disinterested PNC voters of past be galvanized enough - with the AFC onboard representing a fresh perspective or a dud - to say elections matter and they'll come out and vote.
In elections the last week or so is the most crucial in a close contest. This elections IS close, no question. Will one theme run away with the others.
Here's what I suspect. (i) Old perceptions resurface with a vengeance; (ii) The AFC is seen as less a factor than they were as a change force in 2011; (iii) Black youths will probably say same ole, same ole, and to quote Hillary Clinton "what difference does it make". The battle ground needs PPP 6% for them to win or 9% for the coalition. If my suspicions bear out the PPP wins a close one and Guyana is stuck with 5 more years of same ole, same ole. "What difference does it make?"