“PNCR-AFC Deal Deadline Elapses: A Pivotal Moment of Reckoning”

The deadline for coalition negotiations between Guyana’s People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) expired at midnight on March 31, 2025, without an agreement on the presidential candidate for the upcoming elections. This impasse has raised concerns about the opposition’s unity and their ability to challenge the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in the forthcoming elections.​

The PNCR and AFC, both significant political entities in Guyana, have previously collaborated in electoral alliances, notably in the 2015 and 2020 elections. Following their loss in the 2020 elections, the coalition officially ended in December 2022. In January 2025, the two parties initiated discussions to form a new coalition for the 2025 elections, setting a March 31 deadline to finalize the agreement.

Points of Contention

Central to the negotiations was the selection of the presidential candidate. PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton maintained a firm stance on being the coalition’s presidential nominee, citing his party’s substantial contributions and leadership role. He expressed reluctance to accept external dictates, emphasizing the PNCR’s pivotal role in any coalition. Norton remarked, “​We ain’t going to let nobody take their eyes pass we. I want to make this commitment to you that this party will not allow anybody to ride on our backs. We are prepared to engage and be reasonable but we are not prepared to bend over backwards.

Conversely, the AFC advocated for its leader, Nigel Hughes, to be the presidential candidate. The AFC’s position was influenced by concerns that Norton’s candidacy might not effectively challenge the PPP/C. The party outlined conditions for coalition participation, including a 40-60 split of government positions favoring APNU, Hughes as the presidential candidate, and the presidential candidate’s party not holding the Leader of the List position, which controls parliamentary appointments and removals.

This divergence in candidate preference led to a proposal from the PNCR to consider former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, as a compromise candidate. However, Greenidge’s apparent lack of interest in the position further complicated the negotiations. ​

Current Status and Future Prospects

As the March 31 deadline passed without an agreement, both parties have expressed intentions to continue discussions. Reports indicate that they are considering the involvement of a mediator to facilitate resolution. Despite the challenges, both the PNCR and AFC have reiterated their commitment to forming a coalition, acknowledging the necessity of a unified opposition to effectively contest the PPP/C.

The continuation of talks underscores the complexities inherent in coalition politics, especially when balancing party interests, leadership ambitions, and strategic electoral considerations. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly influence Guyana’s political landscape in the lead-up to the elections.​