APNU still hopeful of coalition with AFC
Jun 14, 2025
─ Hughes says door still open
Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton
Kaieteur News – The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) said it is still optimistic about a coalition with the Alliance For Change (AFC), with People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) executive member, Ganesh Mahipaul stating that his party has made reasonable offers to the AFC.
On the other hand, the AFC has made it clear that coalition politics could only work if it is built on trust and balance as dominance or silence will cause issues.
There has been ongoing speculation and blame thrown around regarding the breakdown in coalition talks between the PNC and AFC. Concerns have mounted recently over what some have said are the ‘outrageous’ proposals made by the AFC during the talks.
“We did not find favour with their counter offers, and we maintain that our offers were very reasonable in the discussions and negotiations,” Mahipaul said Friday during the PNCR’s press conference.
Questioned whether the AFC had proposed any names for the presidential candidacy, Mahipaul said he could not recall this occurring at no time in the exchange through documents or physical interaction.
“What I can tell you, I will go as far as to tell you, that our position was that the presidential candidate come from the APNU. We never stipulated a name or names. I cannot recall the AFC even saying names. I saw something in line saying about Carl Greenidge… Carl Greenidge’s name never came up in those discussions, as I recollect them but I can tell you that we said the presidential candidate will come from the APNU” he said.
With the passage of time, it has been accepted within the arms of the APNU, that Aubrey Norton will be the presidential candidate, as mandated by his party, the PNCR as he is enjoying the full confidence of the APNU, Mahipaul added that they “are very optimistic that he will be the next president of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”
The Guyana Elections Commissions (GECOM) has stipulated a timeline for the submission of symbols and nominations. With the former swiftly approaching, the two parties may very well only have a few days to come to a consensus on whether they will coalesce or not.
“The date for submission of the symbol is important, and the date of nomination is equally important in knowing whether it will be an APNU/AFC or whether it will be an APNU, but what I know is that the APNU is a coalition of which the PNCR is the largest political party, and there are several other parties and individuals who have expressed interest in being a part of the APNU,” Mahipaul explained.
Leader of the Alliance for Change Nigel Hughes.
He said so far, the party is heartened by the responses. He said some announcements will come shortly.
Meanwhile, leader of the AFC Nigel Hughes told the media that for over a year his party has been working seriously to promote and establish a path towards unity, hosting meetings in Georgetown, New York and across platforms.
“We submitted a detailed framework for a coalition, one based not on personalities, but in fairness and respect, and the kind of governance our people deserve. We want the public to know what we placed on the table. The AFC accepted the APNU’s nominee for presidential candidate, a major step forward for compromise,” he disclosed.
It was proposed that the leader of the list be jointly agreed on to ensure fair representation and accountability. It was also recommended that civil society be included in the Cabinet so that new voices and ideas could be added and trust be rebuilt in leadership by the public.
“That is the simple truth, I’m afraid. Let me be clear, this is not about one individual. It’s about creating a better kind of politics. The AFC believes that coalition politics can work, but only when it’s built on trust and balance, not dominance or silence. We did not come to the table with demands. We came with a proposal. We did not ask for all. We asked for what was fair. We did not insist on positions. We insisted on principles,” he stressed.
He reminded that even now the party’s “doors remain open, and we are ready to listen, ready to engage, but we will not return to a coalition model where imbalances are the norm and accountability is optional.”
Hughes explained that the campaign “better must come” is about giving citizens a real alternative that is rooted in integrity, unity an economic justice. The AFC will be there for the people who feel left out, are working hard but falling and for youths looking for new opportunity along with the families who are still seeking fairness.
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Key Focus: PNC still hopeful of coalition with AFC
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Caption: Leader of the Alliance for Change Nigel Hughes.
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