ACCORDING to well-placed sources, former President Bharrat Jagdeo is the one most favoured to be the PPP/C presidential candidate for the next general elections, particularly given that election fever is in the air, brought on by the ongoing gridlock in the National Assembly.

The source noted that a poll conducted by the combined Opposition has revealed that in terms of popularity, Jagdeo is way ahead of candidates from both A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC). Guyana Chronicle understands that the poll follows the ruling party’s first public hint of snap elections at the Cheddi Jagan Memorial event held at Babu John, Port Mourant, Corentyne on March 9 last.

With regard to the ongoing political gridlock in the National Assembly, the General Secretary of the PPP/C, Mr Clement Rohee, said: “The Parliament is a forum for a struggle for political power…Guyanese have had enough of messing with their lives by their political predecessors.”

He made it clear that the people are tired of the ‘shenanigans’ coming from the combined Opposition, and said the people’s disgust would be best demonstrated at the polls.

According to Rohee, the Opposition’s “game plan” is clear for all to see, and is one that would economically ruin Guyana.
He acknowledged that the ruling party has made mistakes, but noted that the party is “bold and big” enough to admit to such errors, and work to make amends for them.

“The PPP/C remains the strongest political force in this country,” Rohee posited, even as he declared that the best way to pay tribute to Dr. Cheddi Jagan is for all of his supporters to work “hard, ceaselessly, and indefatigably” to retake the majority in the National Assembly.

“The struggle continues, but victory is inevitable,” he said.

Conversely, the Opposition continues to push for Local Government Elections, because this poll indicates that they would fare marginally better there than at general elections.
The Opposition’s poll follows an opinion survey conducted last August by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA), which found that the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) leads the opposition in voter support in the event early elections are called to resolve the parliamentary impasse brought about by the November 2011 general elections.

Asked if they think the Government should call a snap election to resolve the parliamentary impasse that prevents the ruling party from carrying out its planned programmes, 43 per cent of the respondents said yes, 40 per cent said no, and 17 per cent said they are not sure. Many voters said the parties should try to work together for the benefit and betterment of the nation, expressing a view that they do not think any party will win a majority at the next election.

Asked which Party they would vote for if a snap election were called, 46 per cent of the respondents said the PPP/C; 37 per cent said A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and seven per cent said the Alliance For Change (AFC), with 10 per cent being undecided.